Texas
How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Learn what surgical technologist professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current Texas earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$65,220
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
8–10 weeks of employment
Total Investment
$230–$340 and register for the CST exam
Employment #s
10160
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026).
Who It's For:
For people exploring surgical technologist and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: The NBSTSA vs. AST: Understanding the Distinction; The Accreditation Chain: CAAHEP and ARC/STSA | Current Texas and U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$39,950 – $92,580
United States
$39,950 – $92,580
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 259 (statutory certification)
Is a license required?
Yes
Credential
The License/Certification — CST
Continuing Education
400 hours of actual operating room experience
Examination
The Exam Curriculum (What You Actually Must Know
Heading 3
No state license stands between you and this work — which changes how you compete.
Common Questions
Credential
