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Entry Level Surgical Technologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UPMC Senior Communities

Surgical Technologist

Hanover, PA · 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 ...

UPMC Harrisburg

Surgical Technologist

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

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 ...

UPMC Somerset

Surgical Technologist

Somerset, PA · On-site

The Surgical Technologist performs a variety of tasks in an operating room that assist the surgical ... Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse. * Entry-level ...

UPMC Senior Communities

Surgical Technologist

Somerset, PA · On-site

$23.27 - $29.69/hr

The Surgical Technologist performs a variety of tasks in an operating room that assist the surgical ... Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse. * Entry-level ...

UPMC Pinnacle Memorial

Surgical Technologist

York, PA · On-site

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 ...

UPMC Senior Communities

Surgical Technologist

York, PA · 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 Technologist information

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical technologist 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 is an entry level surgical technologist?

Entry level surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs or operating room technicians, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members during operations. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring all necessary supplies are available. Entry level surgical technologists typically work under the supervision of experienced staff and are involved in tasks such as passing instruments to surgeons, maintaining a sterile environment, and helping with patient care before and after surgery.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Technologist, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically gained through a surgical technology certificate or associate degree. Familiarity with operating room equipment, sterilization systems, and electronic documentation tools is crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective support for surgeons and healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level surgical technologists, and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

Entry level surgical technologists often face challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced operating room environment, managing multiple tasks under pressure, and quickly learning hospital-specific protocols. Building strong communication with surgical teams and proactively seeking feedback can help new technologists acclimate more smoothly. Additionally, staying organized and continually reviewing procedural steps will support confidence and efficiency during surgeries. Most hospitals offer mentorship or orientation programs, which are great opportunities for new hires to ask questions and develop their skills.

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

AspectEntry Level Surgical TechnologistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsPost-secondary education, certification often preferredSame as entry level, with experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsSame as entry level, with more responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgeries, prepare operating roomsPerform similar tasks, with increased independence
ExperienceNone or minimalTypically 1+ years of experience

In summary, an Entry Level Surgical Technologist is just starting in the field, performing basic assisting tasks, while a Surgical Technologist has gained experience and may handle more responsibilities. Both roles work in similar environments and require comparable credentials, but experience distinguishes the two.

How to get started as an entry level surgical technologist?

To start as an entry-level surgical technologist, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a surgical technology training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and earn certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Gaining hands-on clinical experience during training and developing skills in sterile techniques and anatomy are essential for entry into the field.

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

Getting hired as an entry-level surgical technologist can be competitive, but having a certification, relevant clinical experience, and strong attention to detail can improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with basic knowledge of sterile techniques and the ability to work in fast-paced surgical environments.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Surgical Technologist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Surgical Technologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Technologist jobs?

The most popular types of Surgical Technologist jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Surgical Technologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Surgical Technologist jobs include:

Entry Level Surgical Technologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Technologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Surgical Technologist

UPMC Senior Communities

Harrisburg, PA • On-site

$27.71 - $35.38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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.
Eligible candidates will be offered a sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 based on their years of experience!
**Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job titles based on their experience and education**
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.

Qualifications:
  • 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

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