Surgical Technologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
The sterile field has to stay intact for the whole operation, and sponges, needles, and instruments are counted before and after. During the operation, instruments and retractors are handed as the surgeon asks, sutures may be cut, and patients are positioned and draped. Beforehand, arms and hands are scrubbed and the team is helped into gloves, masks, and surgical clothing; afterward, equipment is washed and sterilized and tissue specimens are prepared for the lab. All of this happens in the operating room under a surgeon or nurse. Suits people who like precise, hands-on teamwork and tracking every item that enters and leaves the field.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$64'650
Median Wage Market Position
$64'650
What you might do
- Keep the operating area sterile during surgery
- Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after
- Position patients and cover them with sterile drapes
- Help the team scrub and put on gowns
- Prepare tissue samples taken during surgery
Skills that matter
- Keeping the sterile field intact
- Counting sponges, needles, and instruments
- Passing instruments during the operation
- Positioning and draping patients for surgery
- Listening for the surgeon's next request
- Washing and sterilizing used equipment
AI & the future of this role
Sterile setup, instrument handling, and real-time support beside the surgical team require physical presence and precise teamwork. Scheduling or inventory tools might trim prep work, yet liability and OR practice still favor skilled technologists.
Does Surgical Technologists fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details