
Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites.Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery.Surgical technologists typically do the following: Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries. Surgical assistants, also called surgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical technologists may transport patients to surgery. Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Similar OccupationsĬompare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.Įxplore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists. Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.Ībout 9,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $48,530 in May 2021. The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $48,320 in May 2021. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers. Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. How to Become a Surgical Assistant or Technologist They spend much of their time on their feet. Most surgical assistants and technologists work in hospitals. Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. What Surgical Assistants and Technologists Do Quick Facts: Surgical Assistants and Technologists Please enable javascript to play this video.
