This guide provides extensive details on the highest-paying surgical tech specialties for those intrigued by exploring a career in surgical technology or earning money from it. Just sit back and enjoy your ride.

Surgical tech experts may also be called scrub techs or surgical room technicians.

They carry out crucial and life-saving tasks for the medicine sector. Their duties include tidying up operating rooms, organizing and sanitizing appliances, and helping doctors during operations.

They can also set up patients, help suction the incision site, suture a wound, and hold the patient’s inner organs in place during procedures.

The job is challenging and includes a great deal of responsibility. Only practitioners with high education and experience are employed in this sector.

Best Paying Surgical Tech Specialties List

The field offers numerous lucrative jobs, providing multiple options for exploration. However, others are less lucrative but can still take care of your basic needs.

We’ll highlight them after listing the ones at the top.

  • Surgical Neurophysiologist

Experts in this field are responsible for testing and monitoring patients during specific procedures. These include brain, spinal, and vascular surgeries.

They also help prevent complications like paralysis, stroke, and hearing loss. Some of the testing and monitoring methods they use include EEG and ECoG.

With this equipment, they can detect potentially damaging changes in a client’s status and support.

Surgical neurophysiologists work alongside anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and surgeons in the operating room, earning an average salary of $84,000 to $270,000 annually.

  • Cardiovascular Surgical Tech

In this line of work, people support a cardiac surgeon during surgery. Before, during, and after the procedure, they must pay attention.

They take care of the CVOR’s preparation, transportation, and assistance. Along with other things, they assist the surgical team and watch over the patients.

To enter this field, one must be certified and hold a postsecondary degree. Professionals in this industry earn between $101,000 and $136,000.

  • Surgical First Assistant

These individuals assist surgeons by choosing the appropriate equipment while they work side by side.

In addition to performing other jobs, they hold open incisions, close them, and halt bleeding. What else? Along with anesthesiologists and nurses, surgical first assistants collaborate frequently.

The individual ensures the timely and efficient completion of all surgical procedures, with an annual income of approximately $114,000.

  • CVOR Surgical Tech

In the operating room, experts in this discipline are crucial. They set up cardiovascular operations and keep the area sanitary.

Additionally, they provide supplies and tools to surgeons during surgeries. After the procedure, they move the patient quickly to the recovery area.

To become CVOR surgical technologists, candidates must have at least three years of experience. They make about $59,613 a year, whereas traveling CVOR surgical technologists make $97,929 a year.

  • Certified Surgical Tech (CST)

Typically, members of this specialist level assist surgeons and their teams with various tasks. Distributing sterile materials and instruments is one of their crucial responsibilities during surgical procedures.

Additionally, they set up sophisticated machinery like robotics, ready operating rooms for procedures, and managed organs throughout operations.

Qualifications from the NBSTSA are the primary educational requirements for this position. However, those with surgical technology associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are invited to submit applications.

The average yearly salary for these professionals is $50,107. However, the travel CST earns about $86,159 per year.

  • Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)

Practitioners are responsible for efficient surgical equipment, clinical tool inventory, and cleanliness, contributing to patient safety and care.

They are an essential part of the therapeutic team due to their abilities. SPT’s primary business sectors include sterile processing and distribution in the wellness industry, with an average annual income of $67,600.

  • Operating Room Technician

Professionals in clinical settings support doctors, nurses, and surgeons by providing patient care, monitoring vital signs, and setting up operation tools.

They can also supply necessary specimens, replenish supplies, and transfer patients from the operating room.

You must have prior operating room experience to be eligible for this position. Additionally, you’ll need to complete an approved postsecondary training program.

These comprise fundamental medical concepts, a description of surgical technology, and more. In the meantime, these professionals make about $69,000 a year.

  • Endoscopy Technician

Field technicians and other technicians carry out similar tasks. They support surgeons during surgery, maintain the sterile field, and sanitize scopes and other instruments.

Additionally, they do safety inspections to guarantee that everything in their charge functions appropriately.

Endoscopy technologists earn an average of $39,540 annually, with traveling technicians earning around $63,882. They must have an associate’s degree for this position.

  • Surgical Scrub Technician

Techs in this field work in the operating room. They scrub for operating procedures under the supervision of a licensed and qualified physician.

Moreover, they also prepare instruments for surgeries, transport patients, and care for them. With a high school diploma, you can venture into this field.

The job salary is around $57,000 per year.

Educational Requirements for Surgical Tech Specialties

Having seen some lucrative jobs in this field, you must familiarize yourself with their academic essentials. There are now two educational pathways to becoming a surgical tech.

They include earning an associate degree and a certification program. There are many surgical tech schools where you can pursue a bachelor’s degree to be qualified for advanced roles.

While deciding on a suitable educational pathway, you must opt for those fully certified by relevant authorities. Some renowned accreditors are CAAHEP and ABHES.

In addition to academic qualifications, you may need certification from reputable agencies. Some capabilities you can obtain include CST and TS-C.

NBASTSA offers CST qualification, and then TS-C is provided by NCCT. Before acquiring any of these credentials, you must write and pass the certification exams.

There are other well-paying surgical tech jobs besides those listed above.

You can choose from the list in this article and increase the size of your pocket. While you do that, ensure you dig more facts about their job outlook and where to receive high pay.

Some states and cities are known for paying experts in this field a lot. Consider going to such regions and seeking greener pastures.