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Cardiovascular Surgical Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CVOR Surgical Technologist

Houston, TX · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

A hospital in Houston, TX is seeking a mid-level CVOR Surgical Technologist to join its cardiovascular operating room team. This is an in-person, on-site position requiring direct, hands-on ...

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Cardiovascular Surgical Tech information

See salary details

$875

$2.3K

$3.3K

How much do cardiovascular surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average weekly pay for cardiovascular surgical tech in the United States is $2,267.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,423.08 and $2,750.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cardiovascular Surgical Tech vs Operating Room Technician?

AspectCardiovascular Surgical TechOperating Room Technician
CertificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), specialized in cardiovascular proceduresGenerally CST or equivalent, with no specific specialization
Work EnvironmentCardiovascular operating rooms, assisting in heart and blood vessel surgeriesVarious surgical settings, assisting in general surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, cardiac centers, specialized surgical clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

Cardiovascular Surgical Techs focus on assisting in heart and blood vessel surgeries, requiring specialized training and certifications. Operating Room Technicians support a broader range of surgeries without specific specialization. Both roles are vital in surgical teams but differ in scope and environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cardiovascular Surgical Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiovascular Surgical Tech, you need a thorough understanding of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and usually an accredited surgical technology program completion with certification (e.g., CST). Familiarity with specialized surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and patient monitoring systems is crucial. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you excel in high-stakes surgical environments. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgeries, and effective collaboration with surgeons and the operative team.

What are cardiovascular surgical techs?

Cardiovascular surgical techs, also known as cardiovascular surgical technologists, are allied health professionals who assist surgeons during heart and blood vessel surgeries. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary equipment is available for procedures. During surgery, they pass instruments to the surgeon, help maintain a sterile field, and may assist with tasks such as monitoring patient vitals or handling specialized devices. Their role is crucial in supporting the surgical team and ensuring patient safety throughout cardiovascular operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Cardiovascular Surgical Techs during complex procedures, and how can they be managed?

Cardiovascular Surgical Techs often encounter high-pressure situations during lengthy or intricate heart surgeries, where quick thinking and precise teamwork are essential. Managing delicate instruments, anticipating the surgeon’s needs, and maintaining a sterile environment can be challenging, especially when unexpected complications arise. To navigate these challenges, effective communication, continual skills development, and familiarity with a wide range of surgical tools are vital. Many techs also find that building strong working relationships with their surgical team helps ensure smooth procedures and fosters a supportive work environment.

What jobs can you get with a cardiovascular technology degree?

A cardiovascular technology degree prepares individuals for roles such as cardiovascular surgical technologist, cardiovascular technician, or echocardiography technician. These positions involve assisting with cardiac surgeries, performing diagnostic tests, and working in hospital or clinical settings, often requiring certification and knowledge of medical equipment and procedures.

What Does a Cardiovascular Surgical Tech Do?

The duties of a cardiovascular surgical tech are to assist a cardiac surgeon before, during, and after heart surgery or a similar procedure. They prep the CVOR (cardiovascular operating room) and help with preoperative care and transport. During the operation, they assist the surgical staff, monitor patient condition, and transport them to a recovery room. The qualifications to become a surgical technologist include certification and a postsecondary degree.

What do cardiovascular surgical techs do?

Cardiovascular surgical techs assist during heart and vascular surgeries by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and passing surgical tools to the surgeon. They also help with patient positioning, monitor equipment, and ensure a sterile environment to support successful procedures.

How long does it take to be a cardiovascular surgical tech?

Becoming a cardiovascular surgical tech typically requires completing a postsecondary surgical technology program, which takes about 1 year, followed by gaining certification through exams like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Some employers may also require on-the-job training or experience in a surgical environment before employment.

What is the highest paying surgical tech job?

The highest paying surgical tech roles are often in specialized areas such as cardiovascular surgery, where technicians assist in complex procedures and may require additional certifications. Salaries can also be higher for surgical techs working in hospitals, with experience, or in regions with a higher cost of living, reaching up to $70,000 or more annually.
What cities are hiring for Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs? Cities with the most Cardiovascular Surgical Tech job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs? The most popular types of Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs? The top employers for Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs are:
What states have the most Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Cardiovascular Surgical Tech jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cardiovascular Surgical Tech job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,897 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist II

Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist II

Sentara

Norfolk, VA

$10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State

Norfolk, VA

Work Shift

First (Days)

Overview:

Sentara is hiring an experienced Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist II for Sentara's Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

*Sign on Bonus up to $30,000 offered for experienced candidates.

Shift: Four ten-hour shifts 0700-1730, Monday-Friday, with rotating call

Overview of Heart Hospital

Sentara Norfolk General/Sentara Heart Hospital is a comprehensive, Level 1 Trauma center, located in Norfolk, VA. The Heart Hospital Cardiac Surgery program has dedicated CVOR rooms, served by a dedicated cardiac OR team, who perform high volume, complex open-heart CABG, Valve, Aortic, and Structural cases (TAVR). We also serve as the regional center for ECMO/MCS, Heart Transplant, and Aortic dissection cares.

Overview

The Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist II is an experienced, highly skilled member of the surgical team who specializes in assisting with complex cardiovascular procedures, including open-heart surgeries, vascular repairs, and endovascular interventions. This role involves preparing the operating room with appropriate sterile instruments and equipment, anticipating the surgeon's needs during procedures, and maintaining strict adherence to aseptic technique.
The Technologist II level demonstrates advanced knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, surgical instrumentation, and procedural flow, and often serves as a preceptor or resource for junior technologists and students. The position requires strong collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nursing staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care throughout the perioperative process.

Education

  • Surgical Technologist Trade School Degree REQUIRED

Certification/Licensure

  • Virginia Surgical Technologist License REQUIRED
  • NBSTSA CST Certification REQUIRED
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification REQUIRED

Experience

  • 2 years Cardiovascular or Thoracic experience REQUIRED

KEYWORDS: Talroo - Allied Health. CST. Surg Tech. Surgical Tech. Surgical Technician. Operation Room Tech. Scrub Tech. Scrub. Surgical. OR Tech. Surgical Technologist. NBSTSA. NCCT. Certified Surg Tech. Certified Surgical Tech. Certified Surgical Technologist. Cardiovascular. CVOR. Cardiac. #INDEED

.

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career

Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
Emergency Backup Care
Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
Life Insurance
401k/403B with Employer Match
Tuition Assistance - $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student Debt Pay Down - $10,000
Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
Pet Insurance
Legal Resources Plan
Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Here at Sentara, we are committed to consistently enhancing our training, advancement tracks, work-life benefits, and more. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day!

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility that is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads, and also serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School.

In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, our facility is home to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and several other dedicated facilities and specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women's health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.


In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:

Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


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