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Surgical Tech Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Uw

Temporary CLATR Instructor

Seattle, WA · On-site

Support surgical and procedural instruction, including anesthesia monitoring and technical guidance ... Technology or other research-related field * The minimum years of experience required are 2. * Can ...

All JobsSurgical Tech Instructor JobsSurgical Tech Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA

Surgical Tech Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$21

$39

$60

How much do surgical tech instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech instructor in Seattle, WA is $39.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.14 and $43.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a surgical tech instructor do?

A Surgical Tech Instructor is responsible for teaching and training students who are pursuing a career as surgical technologists. They develop instructional materials, deliver lectures, and provide hands-on training in simulated or clinical environments. Instructors also assess student performance, ensure adherence to safety and ethical standards, and help students prepare for certification exams. Their goal is to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work effectively in operating rooms alongside surgeons and medical teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech instructor?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech Instructor, you need an in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and a background as a certified surgical technologist, often supported by teaching credentials or relevant educational experience. Familiarity with simulation technology, electronic learning platforms, and accreditation standards is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and mentorship abilities help instructors effectively guide and inspire students. These skills ensure graduates are well-prepared for the operating room and uphold high standards of patient care and safety.

What are some common challenges surgical tech instructors face when transitioning from clinical practice to teaching?

Surgical Tech Instructors often find that moving from a hands-on clinical environment to the classroom requires adapting their communication style and learning new teaching methodologies. One common challenge is translating complex surgical procedures into clear, understandable lessons for students with varying experience levels. Additionally, instructors must stay current with evolving surgical technologies and best practices to provide the most relevant training. Balancing administrative tasks, curriculum development, and student mentorship can also be demanding, but many find the role highly rewarding as they help shape the next generation of surgical technologists.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech Instructor vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech InstructorSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification (CST), teaching credentials often preferredCertification (CST), on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClassroom, clinical labs, training facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, clinics
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, training programsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Primary FocusTeaching surgical tech skills and knowledgeAssisting in surgical procedures, preparing operating rooms

In summary, Surgical Tech Instructors focus on educating and training future surgical technologists, often working in classrooms and labs, while Surgical Technologists work directly in surgical settings assisting during procedures. Both roles require certification, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a surgical tech instructor?

To become a surgical tech instructor, you typically need to have experience as a certified surgical technologist, hold certification such as the CST, and obtain a teaching credential or instructor certification if required. Many programs also prefer candidates with teaching experience or advanced knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques. Gaining experience in the operating room and staying current with industry standards are essential steps.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Surgical Tech Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Tech Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,909 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Surgical Technologist Clinical Director (Full-Time)

Pima Medical Institute

Seattle, WA • On-site

$85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Pima Medical Institute rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Surgical Technologist Clinical Director (Full-Time)
Location: Seattle, WA (Seattle Campus) | On-Site & Clinical Affiliates
Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt
Department: Surgical Technology
Reports To: Program Director
Compensation: $85,120 - $106,405 per year
Position Summary
Seattle's surgical community needs well-trained, confident Surgical Technologists-and you are the leader who will make that happen!
Pima Medical Institute is seeking a dynamic Surgical Technologist Clinical Director to lead the clinical education component of our CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program at our Seattle campus. In this role, you will bridge classroom learning with hands-on OR experience, holding true autonomy to build strong clinical partnerships across Seattle's top hospitals and surgery centers while mentoring future STs to be day-one ready.
Key Responsibilities
1. Clinical Network Development & Site Management:
  • Partner Development: Secure new clinical rotation sites and negotiate contractual agreements with local hospitals and surgery centers (e.g., Swedish, UW Medicine, Virginia Mason, ASCs). Maintain all clinical contracts to ensure they remain current, viable, and aligned with accreditation standards.
  • Clinical Scheduling & Orientation: Coordinate student scheduling, site placements, orientation, and learning objectives for each clinical rotation.
  • Preceptor Relations: Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with site instructors and clinical preceptors.

2. Student Retention & Mentorship:
  • Academic Guidance: Monitor student progress, competency evaluations, and clinical records, intervening early with tailored support for at-risk students.
  • Student Retention: Work problem-solving strategies with students facing barriers (skill gaps, transportation, scheduling) to maintain an institutional student success rate of 80%+ across program classes.

3. Clinical Quality & Evaluation:
  • Site Visits: Visit clinical sites regularly to observe, evaluate, and document student clinical performance and progress.
  • Record Keeping: Grade clinical coursework, maintain student records, and ensure complete accuracy in final module grades and transcripts per policy.

4. Curriculum & Didactic Instruction:
  • Teaching & Instruction: Prepare lesson plans and deliver high-quality instruction in surgical technology methods, techniques, and lab scenarios.
  • Curriculum Alignment: Coordinate didactic and clinical education, recommending curriculum revisions to the Program Director based on evolving OR industry standards (e.g., robotics, minimally invasive surgery).

5. Administrative & Program Leadership:
  • Admissions Support: Assist the Program Director with interviewing and evaluating student applicants for program admission.
  • Safety & Compliance: Enforce all safety guidelines, biohazard protocols, and regulatory mandates across classroom, lab, and clinical site environments.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Associate degree in Surgical Technology from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program (or equivalent military training). Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Practical Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of occupational experience in the operating room scrub role within the last five (5) years OR three (3) years of experience as an instructor in a surgical technology program.
  • Certification: Current NCCA-accredited Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.
  • Licensure: Active state license, certification, or registration as required by local, state, or federal laws to work as a Surgical Technologist in Washington State.
  • Technical Skills: Strong written/verbal communication skills and functional proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience as an instructor in a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program.

Compensation & Employee-Owner Benefits
  • Compensation: $85,120 to $106,405 annual salary + Annual Executive Performance Bonus Structure.
  • Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)-become a stakeholder in our 100% employee-owned company.
  • Retirement: 401(k) Plan with employer matching options.
  • Health & Wellness: Expanded Healthcare Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision), Health & Wellness Programs, and EAP.
  • Professional Growth: Tuition Reimbursement opportunities and ongoing professional development support.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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