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

Surgical Tech Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$21

$39

$60

How much do surgical tech instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 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.

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.

$7.1K - $10K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Opportunity Description
Seattle Central College is looking to hire a Part-time Adjunct Instructor in the Healthcare & Human Services Division's Surgical Technology/Sterile Processing Program.
Salary Range The salary range for part time faculty is $7,110.33 - $10,649.33 (P1: A1- E7). Target start rate of pay for this position is $7,110.33 - $8,226.33 (for a 5-credit single-class workload per quarter)
Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin May15, 2025.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Executive Dean, the Part-time Adjunct Faculty will be responsible for teaching assigned surgical technology & sterile processing didactic, clinical and lab courses. Specific assignments will be dependent on the instructor's background and quarterly scheduling.
This position is Part-time, dependent on the instructor's background, and quarter scheduling.
This position works 100% on-site.
This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT.
About Us
We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.
Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.
As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

  • Competitive Pay Rates
  • Promotional Opportunities
  • Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
  • Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
  • Transportation benefits
  • Tuition Waivers
  • PEBB Wellness Plan
  • Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.
Application Procedures:
  • Attached current Resume
  • Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
Required application materials must be completed and submitted online
Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
What you will be working on:
  • Promote student success by creating and supporting a safe, welcoming student-centered learning environment
  • Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Respect, embrace, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Prepare and teach courses to a diverse student population
  • Manage classroom environments with a broad range of culture, backgrounds, and skill levels
  • Implement assessment strategies for college and program student learning outcomes
  • Commit to self-reflection and continuous learning
  • Teach courses and perform professional responsibilities as outlined in the AFT Seattle Local 1789 and the Seattle Community College Board of Trustees Collective Bargaining Agreement.
What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)
  • Be a graduate of an education program in surgical technology accredited by a nationally recognized programmatic accreditation agency
  • Possess a credential in the field of surgical technology through a national certification program that is accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
  • Have a minimum total of two years of experience, either in the operating room scrub role or as an instructor in surgical technology, or a combination of both, within the past five years
Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation
Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources .
Physical Setting:
Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:
  • Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment
  • Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
  • Physical ability to perform required work, including (but not limited to) the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, and to walk, bend, twist, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, reach, grasp, push and pull on a regular to continuous basis
  • Work is performed throughout the campus in a variety of weather conditions and encounters noises typical of these settings
Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement
Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyberbullying."
Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance .
Background Check Statement
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 a