How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Technologist Make Per Hour? (2023 Data)

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How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Tech Make an Hour?

Surgical technicians are in high demand, and for good reason. They play a vital role in the operating room, providing assistance to surgeons and nurses during procedures. Traveling surgical techs are especially in demand, as they can fill in gaps in staffing at hospitals and surgical centers across the country.

So, how much does a traveling surgical tech make an hour? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the tech’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the type of facility. However, the average hourly wage for a traveling surgical tech is around \$35.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect a traveling surgical tech’s salary, and we’ll provide some tips on how to get the highest possible pay for your skills and experience.

City Average Hourly Wage Source
New York, NY $52.73 PayScale
Los Angeles, CA $51.02 PayScale
Chicago, IL $49.58 PayScale
Houston, TX $48.75 PayScale
Dallas, TX $48.25 PayScale

How Much Does A Traveling Surgical Tech Make An Hour?

Traveling surgical techs are highly skilled professionals who provide surgical support to surgeons and other medical professionals in a variety of settings. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including preparing patients for surgery, setting up and operating surgical instruments, and assisting with the surgical procedure. Traveling surgical techs must be highly skilled and experienced, and they typically earn a high hourly wage.

Factors Affecting Hourly Wages for Traveling Surgical Techs

There are a number of factors that can affect the hourly wages of traveling surgical techs, including:

  • Experience: Traveling surgical techs with more experience typically earn higher hourly wages. This is because they have a greater level of skill and knowledge, and they are able to perform their job more efficiently.
  • Education: Traveling surgical techs who have a higher level of education typically earn higher hourly wages. This is because they have a better understanding of the surgical process, and they are able to provide more comprehensive support to surgeons and other medical professionals.
  • Location: The hourly wages of traveling surgical techs can vary significantly depending on the location. Traveling surgical techs in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn higher wages than those in lower-cost areas.
  • Specialty: The hourly wages of traveling surgical techs can also vary depending on the specialty. Traveling surgical techs who work in specialties that are in high demand, such as orthopedics and neurosurgery, typically earn higher wages than those who work in less-demanded specialties.

Average Hourly Wages for Traveling Surgical Techs

The average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs varies depending on the factors discussed above. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for surgical technologists was $33.45 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $52.07 per hour, while the bottom 10% earned less than $24.51 per hour.

Nationally

The average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs is highest in California, where it is $41.63. The next highest-paying states are New York ($40.83), Hawaii ($40.73), and Massachusetts ($40.37). The lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($26.36), West Virginia ($27.24), and Arkansas ($27.51).

By state

The average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs varies significantly from state to state. The following table shows the average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs in each state:

| State | Average Hourly Wage |
|—|—|
| California | $41.63 |
| New York | $40.83 |
| Hawaii | $40.73 |
| Massachusetts | $40.37 |
| Washington | $39.96 |
| Oregon | $39.74 |
| Colorado | $39.61 |
| Maryland | $39.52 |
| Virginia | $39.45 |
| New Jersey | $39.35 |

By city

The average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs also varies significantly from city to city. The following table shows the average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs in the 10 largest cities in the United States:

| City | Average Hourly Wage |
|—|—|
| San Francisco | $47.46 |
| New York City | $45.95 |
| Los Angeles | $44.42 |
| Chicago | $42.49 |
| Houston | $41.89 |
| Philadelphia | $41.68 |
| Dallas | $41.57 |
| Washington, D.C. | $41.43 |
| Boston | $41.37 |

The hourly wages of traveling surgical techs vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including experience, education, location, and specialty. However, traveling surgical techs typically earn a high hourly wage, and they have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of surgeons and other medical professionals.

How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Tech Make an Hour?

The average hourly wage for a traveling surgical tech is $36.52, according to PayScale. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location.

Experience

As with most healthcare professions, the more experience you have, the more you will earn. Surgical techs with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $29.95, while those with five or more years of experience can earn an average of $43.27 per hour.

Education

Surgical techs who have completed a formal education program can expect to earn more than those who have only received on-the-job training. Surgical techs with an associate’s degree in surgical technology can earn an average hourly wage of $37.99, while those with a bachelor’s degree can earn an average of $42.06 per hour.

Location

The cost of living in your area can also affect your salary. Surgical techs in high-cost areas, such as California and New York, can expect to earn more than those in lower-cost areas, such as the Midwest and South.

Other factors

Other factors that can affect your salary include the size of the hospital or clinic you work for, the type of surgeries you perform, and your shift work schedule.

The average hourly wage for a traveling surgical tech is $36.52. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, location, and other factors.

Benefits of Working as a Traveling Surgical Tech

There are many benefits to working as a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of working as a traveling surgical tech is the flexibility it offers. Traveling surgical techs can choose their own hours, work schedules, and locations. This can be a great option for people who want to travel or who have other commitments, such as family or school.

  • Competitive pay

Traveling surgical techs typically earn a higher salary than those who work in a permanent position. This is because they are able to command a premium for their skills and experience.

  • Opportunities for career advancement

Working as a traveling surgical tech can give you the opportunity to advance your career. You will gain experience in a variety of settings and procedures, which can make you more marketable to potential employers. You may also have the opportunity to work with some of the best surgeons in the country.

How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech

To become a traveling surgical tech, you will need to:

  • Education

The minimum educational requirement for most traveling surgical tech positions is an associate’s degree in surgical technology. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

  • Certification

In order to work as a traveling surgical tech, you will need to be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To become certified, you must pass the NBTSSA’s certification exam.

  • Job search tips

Once you have the necessary education and certification, you can start looking for traveling surgical tech jobs. Here are a few tips to help you find a job:

  • Network with other surgical techs.
  • Attend job fairs.
  • Search online job boards.
  • Contact staffing agencies.

Working as a traveling surgical tech can be a great way to advance your career and earn a competitive salary. If you are looking for a flexible, rewarding job, then this may be the perfect career for you.

Resources

  • [National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting](https://www.nbstsa.org/)
  • [American Association of Surgical Technologists](https://www.aast.org/)
  • [Surgical Technologist Jobs](https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Surgical+Technologist&l=)

    How much does a traveling surgical tech make an hour?

The average hourly wage for a traveling surgical tech is $37.14 per hour. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location.

What are the factors that affect how much a traveling surgical tech makes an hour?

The following are some of the factors that can affect how much a traveling surgical tech makes an hour:

  • Experience: The more experience you have as a surgical tech, the more you can expect to earn.
  • Education: Surgical techs who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field typically earn more than those who only have a diploma or associate’s degree.
  • Location: The cost of living in your area can also affect your salary. Surgical techs in high-cost areas typically earn more than those in low-cost areas.
  • Employer: The type of employer you work for can also affect your salary. Surgical techs who work for private hospitals or surgical centers typically earn more than those who work for public hospitals or clinics.

What are the benefits of working as a traveling surgical tech?

There are a number of benefits to working as a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • Variety: Traveling surgical techs get to work in a variety of different settings, which can help them to develop their skills and experience.
  • Compensation: Traveling surgical techs typically earn higher salaries than those who work in permanent positions.
  • Opportunity to travel: Traveling surgical techs get to travel to different parts of the country or even the world, which can be a great way to see new places and meet new people.

What are the challenges of working as a traveling surgical tech?

There are also a few challenges to working as a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • Lack of stability: Traveling surgical techs typically do not have a permanent home base, which can make it difficult to establish roots and build a community.
  • Long hours: Traveling surgical techs often work long hours, which can take a toll on their physical and mental health.
  • Stress: Traveling surgical techs may experience stress from having to adjust to new environments and work with different teams on a regular basis.

Is traveling surgical tech a good career?

Whether or not traveling surgical tech is a good career for you depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you are looking for a job that offers variety, compensation, and opportunity to travel, then traveling surgical tech may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a job with stability and a permanent home base, then traveling surgical tech may not be the best fit for you.

In this article, we’ve discussed the average hourly wage for traveling surgical techs, as well as the factors that can affect pay. We’ve also provided tips for getting started in this career and resources for finding jobs.

If you’re interested in becoming a traveling surgical tech, it’s important to do your research and make sure that this is the right career for you. The job can be demanding, but it can also be very rewarding. If you’re passionate about helping people and you’re looking for a career that offers variety and travel, then becoming a traveling surgical tech may be a great option for you.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.