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Hospital Surgical Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Candidate to function as our Hospital Surgical Technologist. Under direct supervision, provides care to patients of all ages during surgical intervention. Qualifications Graduate of a surgical ...

Candidate to function as our Hospital Surgical Technologist. Under direct supervision, provides care to patients of all ages during surgical intervention. Qualifications Graduate of a surgical ...

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Hospital Surgical Tech information

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$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do hospital surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for hospital 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 does a hospital surgical tech do?

A hospital surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist or scrub tech, assists surgeons and other medical professionals during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, arranging surgical instruments, and passing tools to the surgeon during operations. They also help ensure that the environment is safe and sterile, and may assist with patient preparation before and after surgery. Surgical techs play a critical role in supporting surgical teams and contributing to positive patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospital surgical tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Surgical Tech, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. 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 collaboration within the surgical team.

What are some common challenges hospital surgical techs face during surgical procedures, and how can they effectively manage them?

Hospital Surgical Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterile fields, adapting to rapidly changing situations in the operating room, and anticipating the needs of surgeons during complex procedures. Effective communication, strong attention to detail, and thorough preparation are key to managing these challenges. Working closely with surgical teams and continually updating knowledge of surgical instruments and protocols helps Surgical Techs remain agile and effective, ensuring patient safety and smooth operations.

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

AspectHospital Surgical TechOperating Room Technician
CertificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)Typically CST or similar certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting in surgeries, preparing sterile equipmentPreparing OR, assisting during procedures, sterilization
Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitals and surgical settingsUsed interchangeably with Surgical Tech in many settings

Both Hospital Surgical Tech and Operating Room Technician roles involve assisting in surgical procedures and maintaining sterile environments. While their responsibilities are similar, the title 'Hospital Surgical Tech' is more widely recognized and often preferred in hospital settings, with certification requirements like the CST. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'Hospital Surgical Tech' emphasizes a broader certification and standardization in the industry.

Is it hard to get hired as a hospital surgical tech?

Getting hired as a hospital surgical tech can be competitive, as it often requires certification, relevant clinical experience, and knowledge of surgical procedures. Employers look for strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments, which can influence the ease of securing a position.
More about Hospital Surgical Tech jobs

What cities are hiring for Hospital Surgical Tech jobs?

Cities with the most Hospital Surgical Tech job openings:

What states have the most Hospital Surgical Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hospital Surgical Tech jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hospital Surgical Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Hospital - Surgical Tech Intermediate

UT Health San Antonio

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in positioning the patient, preparing the operative site, draping, and assisting with draping at the request of the surgeon.

  • Perform duties such as holding retractors, suctioning, clamping vessels, applying dressings, and acting as a surgeon's first or second assistant within their scope of practice.

  • Assist in moving the patient to the recovery room, prepare labels, verify specimens, and document sterilization procedures.


UT Health San Antonio rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

371st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Under general supervision the intermediate surgical technologist works under the supervision of the registered nurse and medical staff to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and minimally invasive surgical procedures. This individual works to assist that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
Shifts Available:
10:30am-7pm
2:30pm-11pm
4- 10 Hour Shifts available as an option
Responsibilities
  • Collaborates with the Registered Nurse to continuously update the nursing plan of care and recommends interventions to meet identified patient goals.
  • Remains current in their knowledge of surgical technology
  • Assures that all items used are replaced in inventory, charged for and reported to the circulator of the case.
  • Working with the circulating nurse and anesthesia personnel, assists in positioning the patient on the operating table, prepares and/or assists in the preparation of the operative site, drapes, or assists in draping the patient, at the request of the surgeon. When necessary, assists the anesthesiologist or anesthetist during administration of anesthetic.
  • Under the direction of the surgeon performs such duties as holding retractors, suction, clamping vessels, and applying dressings, etc. Acts as a surgeon's first or second assistant in the absence of the surgeon's first assistant within their realm of practice (except suturing, injecting medications and cutting tissue).
  • Evaluates and recommends updates to surgeon preference cards and notifies appropriate personnel of needed changes.
  • Upon completion of the surgery, assists in moving the patient off the operating table onto the stretcher and transporting to the recovery room.
  • Prepares labels, label drugs and verifies specimens according to protocol and surgeons' preference.
  • Uses proper documentation related to sterilization procedures. Signs/verifies initials on instrument count sheet and signs preference list when pulling of case is completed.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of emergency protocol in the event of an emergent procedure by ensuring surgical set-ups necessary to manage an emergency.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Ability to follow appropriate Infection Control policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of decontamination, packaging and sterilization of instrumentation and supplies.
  • Ability to demonstrate accountability for patient care environment including the reporting of malfunctioning equipment, maintenance of instrumentation and matters of patient safety.
  • Knowledge on how to perform assigned patient care tasks under the direction and supervision of a designated Registered Nurse and works under the direction of the surgeon for procedural related tasks.
  • Ability to assess and anticipates needed supplies for scheduled and emergent procedures, the need for comfort and safety measures for individual patients and anticipates the needs of the surgeon to expedite the procedure by passing instruments, sponges and sutures.
  • Knowledge on how to prepare the operating room according to a particular surgical procedure with the assistance of other personnel in accordance with procedures for disinfection of furniture and equipment.
  • Ability to exercise proper sterile technique, opens and arranges sterile field in accordance with accepted protocol for each surgical procedure to be performed, both routine and special procedures.
  • Knowledge on how to utilize equipment and supplies efficiently, charges for and assures replacement of medical & surgical supplies. Daily and periodically checks, restocks, and inventories supplies (checks, rotates dated items and reorders supplies as assigned or as needed for surgery and other procedures within their unit)
  • Ability to assist in clearing the operating room for the next procedure including appropriate disposal of contaminated linen and waste, cleaning instruments when necessary and disinfecting equipment.
  • Ability to participate in counts with the circulating nurse to assure that all counts are correct.
  • Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering teaching environment. Position eligible for preceptor premium pay with completion of preceptor education and leader approval.

Education:
  • Technical School - Surgical Tech required

About Us
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture.
Benefits Overview
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
  • Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
  • Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
  • Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
  • Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

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