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New Grad Surgical Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Tech

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$23 - $46.11/hr

New grad with training in the surgery tech role. Job Summary: Surgical Tech II The Surgical Technician II is responsible for assisting the surgeon and professional nurses in all aspects of operating ...

Surgical Tech

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$30.45 - $45.67/hr

New grad to experienced surgical technologist first assist License(s)/Certification(s): * CPR certification required. * Certified Surgical Technologist-First Assist * Certification required through ...

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New Grad Surgical Tech information

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$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do new grad surgical tech jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad 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 new grad surgical techs face during their first year on the job?

New grad surgical techs often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the operating room, learning to anticipate the needs of surgeons, and mastering a wide range of surgical instruments and procedures. Building confidence in sterile technique and communication with the surgical team is also crucial. Over time, mentorship from experienced colleagues and proactive learning help new grads overcome these hurdles and become more efficient and effective in their roles.

What is the difference between New Grad Surgical Tech vs Surgical Tech?

AspectNew Grad Surgical TechSurgical Tech
CertificationsCPR, Surgical Tech Certification (CST)CPR, Surgical Tech Certification (CST)
ExperienceEntry-level, recent graduateTypically 1+ years of experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting in surgeries, preparing operating rooms, passing instrumentsAssisting in surgeries, preparing operating rooms, passing instruments

The main difference between a New Grad Surgical Tech and a Surgical Tech is experience level. New grads are just starting their careers with minimal hands-on experience, focusing on learning and skill development. Experienced Surgical Techs have more practice and may handle more complex procedures. Both roles work in similar environments and require the same certifications, but the New Grad role emphasizes training and growth opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad Surgical Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad Surgical Tech, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically acquired through an accredited surgical technology program and certification (such as CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure patient safety, support surgeons efficiently, and maintain a smooth surgical workflow.

What are New Grad Surgical Techs?

New Grad Surgical Techs are recent graduates from accredited surgical technology programs who assist surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff in operating rooms. They are responsible for preparing surgical instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and passing instruments during procedures. As new graduates, they are typically in their first professional role and may work under the supervision of more experienced surgical technologists. Their training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to ensure patient safety and proper surgical support.
More about New Grad Surgical Tech jobs
What cities are hiring for New Grad Surgical Tech jobs? Cities with the most New Grad Surgical Tech job openings:
What states have the most New Grad Surgical Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for New Grad Surgical Tech jobs include:
Infographic showing various New Grad Surgical Tech job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) - New Grad Cohort

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) - New Grad Cohort

Advocate Aurora Health

Park Ridge, IL • On-site

$28.55 - $42.85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 771 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 884 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Department:
37703 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital - Surgery Room
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
PM position: 5 days: 3pm-11:30pm or 4 days: 1pm-11:30pm
Pay Range:
$28.55 - $42.85
Where You Will Work:
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital's Main Operating Room (OR). New Grad Surgical Technologist without experience are welcome to apply! Come and start or continue in your dream job with the prestigious Advocate Health hospital network at Advocate's Lutheran General MAGNET teaching Hospital! Cohort to begin August 24th ,2026!
Education/Experience Required:
Graduate of surgical technologist program

Certified Surgical Technologist certification must be obtained by the employee by sitting for the certification exam within 3 months of employment.
Major Responsibilities:
Performs duties in the scrub role as assigned.

1)Completely prepares sterile field in a timely manner; maintains the sterile field and boundaries prior to and during procedure.
2)Complies with departmental policy and procedures regarding specimens, counts, and disposition of contaminated instruments.
3)Assists the physician by sponging, suctioning, retracting, and cutting suture as required and instructed by the physician.
4)Acts as preceptor, sharing knowledge in a supportive/educational manner.
5)Maintains on-call availability.
6)Assists in emergency situations as assigned, demonstrating appropriate actions and prioritizing to meet patient's condition.
7)Maintains a safe work environment according to regulatory agency standards.
8)Anticipates the needs of the physician as demonstrated by having all items required readily available on the sterile field.
9)Participates in the surgical Time Out and does not allow the procedure to continue until all team members agree.
Responsible for the preparation of the surgical field and supplies/instruments delivered to the field.
1)Verifies instrument/supply/equipment available and ready per physician preference card.
2)Verifies specific needs of physician by completely reading scrub tips.
3)Assists in opening sterile supplies and instruments.
4)Assists with clean up and turnover upon completion of case.
5)Efficiently utilizes supplies to avoid waste and decrease costs.
In collaboration with health care team, assists in providing for a cooperative work environment.
1)Assists with maintaining the established goals of Surgical Services and Advocate
2)Shares clinical and professional knowledge in a supportive/educational manner.
3)Demonstrates self-direction in utilizing work time appropriately.
4)Accepts and completes team responsibilities as assigned.
5)Informs the Team Leader of changes to the physician preference cards.
6)Ensures proper instrument and equipment function; tagging and reporting any broken or malfunctioning equipment/instruments to supervisor.
Responsible for compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
1)Maintains patient confidentiality.
2)Utilizes Standards of Behavior with members of health care team and patients.
3)Promotes a culture of patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
4)Acts as patient advocate to ensure patient welfare by collaborating with physicians and the health care team.
Responsible for maintenance of professional growth.
5)Maintains current competencies.
1)Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining professional skills.
2)Independently completes assignments/projects.
3)Participates in unit/hospital committees and projects.
4)Maintains educational records and timecard.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
• CPR certified. • Certified Surgical Technologist certification will be obtained by the employee by sitting for the certification exam within 3 months of employment.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
• Must be willing to work with exposures to body fluids, waste and chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, anesthesia gases and life threatening diseases • On-call availability (nights, weekends, holidays) • Rotating shifts This position needs to recognize the needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated. • Ability to move heavy patients and equipment and to stand for long periods of time • Flexibility to deal with stressful, changing environments • Ability to respond quickly to emergencies Ability to communicate, cooperate and work well with others.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US