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Entry Level Surgical Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

Carlisle, PA ยท On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

York, PA ยท On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

York, PA ยท On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

Surgical Technologist

York, PA ยท On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the ... Entry level job 0-2 years experience. * NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the ...

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Entry Level Surgical Tech information

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$1.9K

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

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical tech 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Tech, and why are they important?

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 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.

What Does an Entry-Level Surgical Tech Do?

As an entry-level surgical tech, you possess or are pursuing certification as a surgical technologist. Your job is to prepare operating rooms and surgical instruments for surgery. In a surgical technologist role, your responsibilities include preparing the operating room and surgical tools before procedures, monitoring patient vital signs with medical machinery, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses by arranging instruments, and handing items to the surgeon as necessary. Your duties include inspecting, maintaining, and sanitizing surgical instruments, safely disposing of waste from procedures, maintaining a clean operating room, and overseeing pre- and post-surgery patient care, such as wound dressing, transportation, and ensuring patients remain calm.

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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Tech jobs? The most popular types of Surgical Tech jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Surgical Tech jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Tech job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Surgical Technologist

UPMC West Shore

Mechanicsburg, PA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Perform a variety of tasks in an operating room that assist the surgical team. Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and surgical assistants; prepare sterile supplies; assist in cleanup of the operating room; check placement and operation of equipment; and check and restock operating room. During surgical procedures may be responsible for special trays, graft materials, and record patient data.
Responsibilities:

  • Ensure all medications are labeled and handed to surgeon according to established policies and procedures.
  • Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment. Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly.
  • During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site under the supervision of the surgeon and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
  • Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and helps apply dressings.
  • Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
  • After surgery, may help transfer patients to the recovery room. Clean and restock the operating room.
  • Prepare patients for surgery by wash, shave, and ensure aseptic incision sites. May transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes.
  • Ensure clean, safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazards and aseptic technique.
  • PA legislature House Bill 81 enacted 10/29/2020 and became effective 12/27/2020.Must have completed program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and maintains certification or Has completed appropriate military training program or Maintains certification from accredited program or Was employed as a surg tech in a health care facility on or before effective date of the act (12/27/2020) or Employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before effective date (12/27/2020). Continuing education requirements: Compliance with continuing ed requirements specified by the credentialing organization for certification. For individuals not certified - must complete 30 hours of continuing ed every two years.
  • Specialty experience: Surgical specialties include but are not limited to: general, orthopedic, vascular, plastic and reconstructive, obstetrics and gynecology, thoracic, ophthalmic, neurosurgery, organ procurement and endoscopic surgical settings. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
  • Note: Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the effective date of the law (12/27/2020) or who were employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before effective date of the law are grandfathered and therefore not required to have certification. New graduates of a program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation can work for six months prior to certification but must be certified within six months of program completion. Entry level job 0-2 years experience.
  • NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the Laws of 2013 enacted 01/01/20157. A healthcare facility may employ or otherwise contract with a person who does not meet the requirements of subdivision three of this section to function as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility if:(a) after a diligent and thorough effort has been made, the healthcare facility is unable to employ or contract with a sufficient number of qualified surgical technologists who meet the requirements of this section;(b) the healthcare facility makes a written record of its efforts under paragraph (a) of this subdivision and retains the record at the healthcare facility; and(c) the person meets the requirements of subdivision three of this section within two years of the start of employment or contracting for the performance of surgical technology.
    Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
  • Certification Details - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist Surgery Certified (TSC) within 6 months of program completion: Exception: A health care facility may employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirements if after a diligent and thorough effort has been made they are unable to employ a sufficient number of qualified surg techs who meet the requirements (i.e. certification) and a written record of efforts is made and retained at the health care facility. (1. Recruitment efforts are documented and can be supplied for this record. 2. The supply of certified or eligible to be certified surg techs does not meet the needs of the organization).PA legislature House Bill 81 enacted 10/29/2020 and became effective 12/27/2020.
  • Provides evidence that the individual maintains a surgical technologist certification from an accredited certification program or was employed to practice surgical technology by the healthcare facility on or before the effective date of this section or was employed to practice surgical technology as the individual's primary function in another health care facility at any time during the two years immediately preceding the effective date of this section.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) OR Tech in Surgery-Certified (TSC)
  • Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal


UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran