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Entry Level Surgical Tech Jobs in Powder Springs, GA

Technologist, Ultrasound

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$42.45 - $54.50/hr

Actively engages other health care providers (radiologist, surgeons, specialist, and mammographers ... GTC|UFCW|Local 1996 Job Level: Entry Level Department: Regional Office - 9 Piedmont - Primary Care ...

Entry Level Surgical Tech information

See Powder Springs, GA salary details

$682

$1.8K

$2.7K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical tech in Powder Springs, GA is $1,782.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,328.85 and $2,184.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level surgical tech do?

An entry level surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist, assists surgeons and medical teams during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, ensuring all necessary supplies are ready, and passing instruments to surgeons during operations. They also help with patient preparation and may assist in cleaning up after procedures. This role is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and supporting the surgical team to ensure patient safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level surgical tech?

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Tech, you need a solid understanding of sterile techniques, anatomy, and surgical procedures, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as the CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical record systems is crucial. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical procedures, and smooth collaboration with surgical teams in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level surgical techs during their first year on the job?

Entry level surgical techs often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced and high-pressure operating room environment, learning to anticipate surgeons' needs, and mastering the use of various surgical instruments and sterile techniques. It's also common to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of maintaining a sterile field and ensuring patient safety. However, with support from experienced team members and ongoing training, new surgical techs quickly build confidence and competency in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Tech vs Certified Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Surgical TechCertified Surgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingCompletion of accredited surgical tech program; certification exam
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient facilities, surgical centers
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in healthcare facilitiesCertified professionals with recognized credentials
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Surgical Techs are typically new to the field, often requiring minimal formal education and on-the-job training. Certified Surgical Technologists have completed specialized training and obtained certification, which can enhance job prospects and earning potential. Both roles work in similar environments, such as hospitals and surgical centers, but certification distinguishes more experienced or qualified candidates.

How much does an entry level surgical tech make?

An entry-level surgical tech typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, healthcare facility, and certifications. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions, but with experience and additional skills, pay can increase.

How to get started as an entry level surgical tech?

To start as an entry-level surgical tech, complete a formal surgical technology program accredited by a recognized agency, which typically results in a certificate or associate degree. Obtain certification through the National Surgical Technology Certification Examination, and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships to develop necessary skills for the operating room environment.

Is it hard to get hired as an entry level surgical tech?

Entry level surgical tech positions can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and completing a formal training program can improve hiring prospects. Employers often seek candidates with basic knowledge of sterile techniques, anatomy, and the ability to work in fast-paced surgical environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA?

The most popular types of Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA?

For Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs in Powder Springs, GA are:

What cities near Powder Springs, GA are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs?

Cities near Powder Springs, GA with the most Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings in Powder Springs, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,685 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Certified Scrub Tech - Operating Room (Days)

Tanner Health System

Villa Rica, GA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Scrub Technician - Certified is responsible for the preparation of, as well as providing, technical assistance to physicians during the performance of surgical invasive procedures. He she is responsible for care, cleaning, and maintenance of specialized equipment instruments, supplies, and sterilization equipment. Basic patient care functions are performed within established guidelines under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Education: High School Diploma plus 1 year vocational school

Experience: No Prior work experience

Licenses and Certifications

CERTIFIED SCRUB TECH

Qualifications
*The CST I is entry level CST that has recently graduated from an approved Surgical Technology program or an uncertified surgical technologist with 1 year experience.

Statement Of Employment Philosophy

Being a part of Tanner Health System is more than a job, it is a promise we make to treat every patient with exceptional service every time they walk through our doors. Service excellence is the foundation of our organizational culture and the expectations we all set for each other, our patients, physicians and our community. All employees agree to abide by a set of service standards. These standards are the promise we make to provide the best care possible, and represent our beliefs, values and who we strive to become. We each commit to making Tanner Health System a great place for our employees to work, for patients to receive care and for physicians to practice medicine.

Functions

Area of Responsibilities

* ASSESSMENT:*Ensures set up of the operating room to include supplies, instrumentation, and any specialized equipment or implants are available per established policies and procedures. Communicates any needs to the team.

* CARE AND COMPETENCY: *Demonstrates competency and ability to provide technical assistance to physicians during surgical invasive procedures based on departmental policy and or established national standards (AORN, AST, TJC, SGNA, AAMI etc.). Performs competently those technical skills considered basic to the type of care procedures performed on that unit. Checks, adjusts, and operates equipment such as sterilizers, lights, and suction machines. Checks, adjusts, and operates certain equipment such as electrosurgical units, and diagnostic equipment only at the direction of a RN. Assists in transport and positioning of the patient on the OR table. Assists with sterile draping of the patient. Scrubs hands and arms per policy with approved surgical scrub, puts on sterile operating room attire, and establishes and maintains a sterile field. Demonstrates understanding of instruments, equipment, and supplies used in the procedure. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passing instruments, and providing sterile items in an efficient manner. Helps prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis, holds retractors, cuts sutures, and applies dressings as directed. Provides age-appropriate care for all age groups and populations served. Able to scrub independently. Maintains certification with appropriate certifying agency.

* EVALUATION: Provides input relevant to nursing activities that will assure appropriate care is provided based on identified patient need(s), the scheduled procedure, and the clinical status of the patient. Performs delegated sub-circulation duties under the supervision of a RN. Understands the principles of sterilization and demonstrates competency in the proper use of equipment in the decontamination and sterilization of instruments.

* LEADERSHIP: Participates in peer review as appropriate to the unit. Accepts accountability for assignments. Responsible for and assists with efficient room turnover, including restocking as necessary. Upon completion of orientation, able to accept the responsibility of assigned call rotation. Participates in quality improvement activities. Acts as a resource preceptor mentor for students and new employees.

* EDUCATION: Assumes responsibility for professional growth by current reading and attendance at educational programs and unit conferences. Seeks guidance when encountering procedures and or responsibilities that have not been mastered. Participates in continuing education (including Net Learning) as mandated by hospital policy. Participates in staff development. Responsible for professional development. Maintains certification by meeting contact hours required described by professional association.

Compliance Statement

Employee performs within the prescribed limits of Tanner Health System's Ethics and Compliance program. Is responsible to detect, observe, and report compliance variances to their immediate supervisor, the Compliance Officer, or the Hotline.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Education: High School Diploma plus 1 year vocational school

Experience: No prior work experience

Licenses and Certifications

* CERTIFIED SCRUB TECH

Qualifications

The CST I is entry level CST that has recently graduated from an approved Surgical Technology program or an uncertified surgical technologist with 1 year experience.

Supervision

Performs no direct supervision but may precept orient new employees and nursing students, correcting work routines according to hospital policy and procedure as an active participant in staff development.

Definitions

The Scrub Technician - Certified is responsible for the preparation of, as well as providing, technical assistance to physicians during the performance of surgical invasive procedures. He she is responsible for care, cleaning, and maintenance of specialized equipment instruments, supplies, and sterilization equipment. Basic patient care functions are performed within established guidelines under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Position Responsibilities

Contact with Others: Performance of job requires contact with others where team work is essential, requiring tact in order to obtain cooperation. Contacts may be outside of the organization also.

Effect of Error: Probable errors may be serious and involve losses such as improper costs, overpayment, waste of material, damage to equipment, and delay in processing work. Effect usually confined within the organization. Most of work not subject to direct verification or check. Regularly works with some confidential data such as account, salaries, patient medical records, which if disclosed might have adverse internal or external effects.

People Management Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibility: Regularly uses assistance of aide or helper or leads the work of one to four co-employees; checks performance of work assigned as to accuracy and time, doing same work, it's more difficult aspects, or other related work

Work Environment/Physical Effort

Mental Demands: Assignment requires planning and arranging own work to reach definite objectives. Applies knowledge of a specific field using several varied procedures or techniques. Solves non-routine technical, treatment, or operational problems under general guides

Working Conditions: Extreme - Constantly involved in exposure to dirt, odors, noise, or some work is performed with exposure to temperature/weather extremes/occupational risk and probability of coming into contact with blood borne pathogens, other potentially infectious diseases, or biomedical/bio-hazardous materials.

Working Conditions Aspects for Immunizations

Performs tasks involving contact with blood, blood-contaminated body fluids, other body fluids, or sharps (needles): Yes

Directly works with Patients less than 12 months of age: Yes

Physical Effort: Medium physical effort - Lifts, carries, or handles lightweight (1 to 25 lbs.) materials or equipment for most of the day. Occasional physical effort with medium weight objects (25-60 lbs.). Very occasional physical effort with heavy objects (over 60 lbs.).Works in reaching or strained positions for about half of day.

Physical Aspects

Bending: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Typing: Not required

Manual Dexterity -- picking, pinching with fingers etc.: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Feeling (Touch) -- determining temperature, texture, by touching: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Hearing: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Reaching -- above shoulder: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Reaching -- below shoulder: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Visual: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Color Vision: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Speaking: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Standing: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Balancing: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Walking: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Crawling: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Running - in response to an emergency: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Lifting up to 25 lbs.: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Lifting 25 to 60 lbs.: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Lifting over 60 lbs.: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Handling -- seizing, holding, grasping: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Carrying: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Climbing: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Kneeling: Frequent = 34% - 66% of the time

Squatting: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Tasting: Not required

Smelling: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Driving -- Utility vehicles such as golf carts, Gators, ATV, riding lawnmowers, skid steer, aerial lift: Not required

Driving -- Class C vehicles: Not required

Driving -- CDL class vehicles: Not required

N95 Respirator usage (PPE): Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Hazmat suit usage (PPE): Not required

Pushing/Pulling -- up to 25 lbs.: Constant = 67% - 100% of the time.

Pushing/Pulling -- 25 to 60 lbs.: Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time

Pushing/Pulling -- over 60 lbs. : Occasional = 1% - 33% of the time