2

Entry Level Surgical Instruments Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience., NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

York, PA · On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

York, PA · On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Surgical Instruments information

See salary details

$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do entry level surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical instruments in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry-level professional working with surgical instruments in a hospital setting?

As an entry-level professional handling surgical instruments, your primary responsibilities include cleaning, sterilizing, organizing, and maintaining surgical tools before and after procedures. You will work closely with surgical technologists, nurses, and surgeons to ensure all instruments are accounted for and properly prepared. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor errors can impact patient safety. This role often involves following strict protocols, handling delicate equipment, and managing inventory, all within a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) requires completing an accredited surgical technology program and passing the national certification exam. The process involves gaining hands-on experience in surgical settings and maintaining certification through continuing education. It can be competitive, but with proper training and dedication, it is achievable for entry-level candidates.

What is the lowest salary for a surgical technologist?

The lowest salary for a surgical technologist typically starts around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and certification. Entry-level positions may offer lower wages, but with experience and additional skills, salaries can increase significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Instruments Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Instruments Technician, you need a basic understanding of medical terminology, instrument handling, and sterilization procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or a relevant certification like CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork help you excel in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly maintained and available, directly impacting patient safety and surgical efficiency.

Can you get hired as a surgical tech with no experience?

Entry-level surgical technologists can often find positions without prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job or through certification programs. However, having a certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) can improve job prospects and demonstrate competency in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.

What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Instruments vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Surgical InstrumentsSurgical Technologist
Required CredentialsNone or basic certificationsPost-secondary education, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentUsed in surgical settings, primarily in hospitals or clinicsAssist in surgical procedures, work in operating rooms
Employer & Industry UsageSuppliers, hospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Surgical Instruments are tools used in surgeries, requiring minimal certifications. Surgical Technologists are trained professionals assisting in surgeries, often with formal education and certification. While both work in surgical environments, Surgical Technologists have a broader role involving patient care and procedure assistance, whereas Entry Level Surgical Instruments are primarily equipment.

What are entry level surgical instruments?

Entry level surgical instruments are basic tools used in medical procedures by professionals who are new to the surgical field or in training. These instruments typically include items like scalpels, forceps, scissors, and clamps that are essential for performing standard surgical tasks. They are designed to be durable, easy to handle, and cost-effective for beginners or for use in teaching environments. Entry level surgical instruments may differ from advanced instruments, which are often specialized for complex procedures. Understanding and mastering the use of these basic tools is a crucial first step for anyone starting a career in surgery.

What other jobs can I get as a surgical tech?

Surgical technologists can transition into roles such as surgical assistants, operating room supervisors, or sterile processing technicians. They often utilize their knowledge of surgical procedures, sterilization, and medical equipment, and may pursue certifications to advance into specialized or supervisory positions.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Instruments jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Surgical Instruments job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Instruments jobs? The most popular types of Surgical Instruments jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Surgical Instruments jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Surgical Instruments jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Instruments job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Surgical Tech I, OR - $20k Bonus

Surgical Tech I, OR - $20k Bonus

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Main OR

Job Summary:

The Surgical Tech I facilitates patient care by assisting physicians/nursing staff before, during and after surgical procedures by creating and maintaining, a sterile field and providing the instruments and supplies required by the surgeons in a sterile manner according to established plan for patient care with occasional guidance. This entry level Surgical Tech position performs competently most of the cases in a given service/shift. Active NBSTSA or NCCT certification is required upon hire.
Shift Details:
Full Time. 10 or 12 hour shifts.
Additional scheduling details to be discussed during interview.
Sign-on Bonus:
This full time position offers a $20,000 (taxable) bonus to be paid over 24 months.
The sign-on bonus is not applicable to current VUMC staff or former staff who have worked for VUMC in the past twelve months.
Relocation Bonus:
Up to $10,000 (taxable) to be paid within 45 days after start date. Bonus amount is based on relocation mileage.
Must relocate from greater than 100 miles to be eligible for bonus.
This bonus is not applicable to current VUMC staff or former staff who have worked for VUMC in the past twelve months.
About Us:
Perioperative Services is a dynamic department with over 800 employees, 68 Adult Operating Rooms as well as 19 Pediatric Operating Rooms in Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital!
As part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, our employees participate in the implementation of cutting-edge surgical technology and assist in the latest procedures. Our services range from organ transplants, joint replacements, and minimally invasive cardio-thoracic/vascular surgery to reconstructive plastic surgery. Services are offered on-site and at our various off-site specialty facilities.
Perioperative Services encompasses the entire surgical experience. Our goal is to provide the best possible patient surgical care as we continually strive to be the Perioperative Center of Excellence in the Southeastern United States.

.

Qualifications:

Required: Graduate of an approved specific discipline OR successful completion of a surgical technologist training program during the applicant's service as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

Required: Less than one year of relevant work experience.

Required: Certification from one of the listed issuers below:

  • NBSTSA CST - National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistants, Certified Surgical Technologist.

  • NCCT - TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing, Tech In Surgery.

Exception:

  • If graduate of surgical technologist armed forces training program, no certification is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitates patient care, by assisting the surgeon before, during and after surgical procedures.
Plans, sets up, performs and cleans up the assigned surgical procedure as a circulator and as a scrub tech.
Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to apply the Principles of Asepsis in creating and maintaining the sterile field.
Performs sharp, sponge and instrument counts according to policy.
The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.


TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Surgical Equipment Knowledge (Novice): Knowledge of the specific equipment and its performance criteria, capabilities and limitations. Able to use the equipment to accomplish basic tasks associated with the specific devices. May conduct remedial maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Procedures Knowledge (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with procedures knowledge.
Operating Room Care (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with operating room care.
Environmental Sterility & Safety (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with environmental sterility and safety.
Inventory Management (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with Inventory Management. Understands Inventory Management concepts and principles. Familiar with Inventory Management tools, processes, procedures and policies.
Surgical Technology (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with surgical technology.
Equipment Maintenance (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting maintenance activities in area of assignments.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs clearly defines tasks and methods described in detail to achieve standardized solutions that impact own performance with regular guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Follows a well established process to solve routine problems where solutions are clearly prescribed. * Breadth of Knowledge: Has basic job knowledge of systems and procedures that are common to own job. * Team Interaction: Individually contributes to the team.

Core Capabilities :

Delivering Excellent Services : Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality : Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively: Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources.Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation :Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action.- Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Certified Surgical Technologist - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Tech in Surgery TS-C - National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

Graduate of an approved discipline specific program

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


What Vanderbilt University Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom