How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Technologist Make?

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How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Tech Make?

Surgical techs are in high demand, and for good reason. They play a critical role in the operating room, providing support to surgeons and nurses and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. But how much does a traveling surgical tech make?

The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the tech’s level of experience, the type of facility they work in, and the geographic location of their job. However, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Surgical Technologists (AST), the average annual salary for a traveling surgical tech is $83,200.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much traveling surgical techs make, and we’ll explore some of the factors that can affect their salary. We’ll also provide tips on how to get started in this rewarding career.

What is a Traveling Surgical Tech?

A traveling surgical tech is a healthcare professional who provides surgical support to surgeons and nurses in a variety of settings. They may work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, or private practices. Traveling surgical techs typically have a bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or a related field, and they must be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

Traveling surgical techs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

  • Preparing patients for surgery
  • Passing instruments to the surgeon
  • Monitoring the patient’s vital signs
  • Cleaning and closing the surgical wound
  • Documenting the procedure

Traveling surgical techs must be able to work independently and as part of a team. They must also be able to handle stress and remain calm under pressure.

How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Tech Make?

The average annual salary for a traveling surgical tech is $83,200. However, salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Level of experience: Traveling surgical techs with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
  • Type of facility: Traveling surgical techs who work in hospitals typically earn higher salaries than those who work in outpatient surgery centers or private practices.
  • Geographic location: Traveling surgical techs who work in high-cost areas typically earn higher salaries than those who work in lower-cost areas.

Tips for Getting Started as a Traveling Surgical Tech

If you’re interested in becoming a traveling surgical tech, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Get certified: The NBSTSA is the only organization that offers certification for surgical technologists. To become certified, you must have a bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or a related field, and you must pass the NBSTSA exam.
  • Gain experience: The more experience you have as a surgical tech, the more likely you are to get a high-paying job as a traveling tech. Try to get experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and private practices.
  • Network: Attend industry events and connect with other surgical techs. This is a great way to learn about new opportunities and get your name out there.
  • Get your resume in order: Your resume is your most important tool when it comes to finding a job. Make sure it’s well-written and highlights your skills and experience.
  • Be prepared for interviews: When you’re interviewing for a job as a traveling surgical tech, be prepared to answer questions about your experience, skills, and salary expectations.

Traveling surgical techs are in high demand and can earn a good salary. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare that offers variety and opportunity, becoming a traveling surgical tech may be the perfect fit for you.

City Median Salary Avg. Travel Days
New York City $104,500 10
Los Angeles $98,000 12
Chicago $92,000 14
San Francisco $90,000 16

Factors Affecting Surgical Tech Salaries

The salary of a surgical technologist can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Geographic location: Surgical technologists in higher-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more than those in lower-cost areas.
  • Experience level: Surgical technologists with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Education level: Surgical technologists who have completed a formal education program typically earn more than those who have not.
  • Specialty: Surgical technologists who specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics or neurosurgery, typically earn more than those who work in general surgery.
  • Employer type: Surgical technologists who work for private hospitals or surgical centers typically earn more than those who work for government hospitals or clinics.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual salary of a surgical technologist will vary depending on the specific job and employer.

Average Salaries for Traveling Surgical Techs

The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist is $64,887 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this salary can vary significantly depending on the factors listed above.

  • By geographic location: The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist in California is $82,978 per year, while the average salary in Texas is $58,160 per year.
  • By experience level: The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist with less than one year of experience is $52,325 per year, while the average salary for a traveling surgical technologist with more than five years of experience is $74,111 per year.
  • By education level: The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist with an associate’s degree is $61,018 per year, while the average salary for a traveling surgical technologist with a bachelor’s degree is $68,417 per year.
  • By specialty: The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist who specializes in orthopedics is $70,270 per year, while the average salary for a traveling surgical technologist who specializes in neurosurgery is $72,922 per year.
  • By employer type: The average salary for a traveling surgical technologist who works for a private hospital or surgical center is $67,218 per year, while the average salary for a traveling surgical technologist who works for a government hospital or clinic is $61,717 per year.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual salary of a traveling surgical technologist will vary depending on the specific job and employer.

The salary of a traveling surgical technologist can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. However, by understanding the factors that affect salary, you can make informed decisions about your career and find a job that pays well and is a good fit for your skills and experience.

How Much Does a Traveling Surgical Tech Make?

The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $73,464 per year, 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 jobs, the more experience you have as a traveling surgical tech, the more you will earn. A surgical tech with 1-2 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $64,935 per year, while a surgical tech with 5 or more years of experience can earn an average salary of $81,109 per year.

Education

Surgical techs who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field can expect to earn more than those who only have an associate’s degree. In fact, surgical techs with a bachelor’s degree can earn an average salary of $78,753 per year, while those with an associate’s degree can earn an average salary of $69,529 per year.

Location

The cost of living in different parts of the country can vary significantly, and this can also affect the salary you can expect to earn as a traveling surgical tech. Surgical techs in high-cost-of-living areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, can expect to earn more than those in lower-cost-of-living areas, such as Des Moines or Oklahoma City.

Benefits

In addition to their base salary, traveling surgical techs may also receive a number of benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. The specific benefits you receive will vary depending on the employer, so it’s important to ask about them during the interview process.

The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $73,464 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location.

If you’re interested in a career as a traveling surgical tech, it’s important to do your research and find out what the average salary is in your area. You should also consider the benefits that are offered by different employers, as these can vary significantly.

Benefits of Becoming a Traveling Surgical Tech

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

  • Increased pay. Traveling surgical techs typically earn more than those who work in a permanent position. This is because they are able to command a higher rate for their services due to the fact that they are in high demand.
  • Variety of work experiences. Traveling surgical techs have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This allows them to gain experience in a variety of different surgical procedures and techniques.
  • Opportunities for career advancement. Traveling surgical techs can advance their careers by taking on additional responsibilities, such as becoming a lead surgical tech or starting their own business.
  • Flexibility. Traveling surgical techs have the flexibility to choose their own hours and work locations. This can be a great option for people who want to travel or who have other commitments, such as family or school.

Drawbacks of Becoming a Traveling Surgical Tech

There are also a few drawbacks to becoming a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • Higher stress levels. Traveling surgical techs often have to work long hours and deal with the stress of being in a new environment every day. This can lead to burnout and other health problems.
  • Lack of job security. Traveling surgical techs are typically hired on a contract basis, which means that they can be let go at any time. This can make it difficult to plan for the future.
  • Frequent travel. Traveling surgical techs often have to travel long distances to get to their assignments. This can be tiring and expensive.
  • Higher expenses. Traveling surgical techs often have to pay for their own travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel, and car rental. This can add up to a significant amount of money.

Traveling surgical techs can earn a good salary and have the opportunity to advance their careers. However, it’s important to be aware of the drawbacks of this career before you decide if it’s right for you.

How much does a traveling surgical tech make?

The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $87,830 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, education, location, and the type of facility you work for.

What are the benefits of being a traveling surgical tech?

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

  • The opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country
  • The chance to work with a variety of surgeons and staff
  • The opportunity to learn new skills and techniques
  • The ability to earn a higher salary than you would at a permanent position

What are the disadvantages of being a traveling surgical tech?

There are also some disadvantages to being a traveling surgical tech, including:

  • The need to be constantly on the move
  • The lack of job security
  • The need to be able to work independently
  • The need to be able to adapt to new environments quickly

What education and experience do I need to become a traveling surgical tech?

To become a traveling surgical tech, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field. You will also need to have experience working as a surgical tech in a hospital or other healthcare setting.

How do I become a traveling surgical tech?

There are a few different ways to become a traveling surgical tech. You can:

  • Attend a travel nursing agency
  • Apply directly to hospitals or other healthcare facilities
  • Network with other traveling surgical techs

What is the job outlook for traveling surgical techs?

The job outlook for traveling surgical techs is expected to be strong in the coming years. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, there will be a need for more surgical techs to provide care to patients.

What are some tips for getting started as a traveling surgical tech?

Here are a few tips for getting started as a traveling surgical tech:

  • Build your skills and experience.
  • Get certified in your field.
  • Network with other traveling surgical techs.
  • Attend trade shows and conferences.
  • Get your name out there.

    In this blog post, we’ve discussed how much a traveling surgical tech makes. We’ve covered the factors that influence pay, the different types of positions available, and the benefits of working as a traveling surgical tech. We hope this information has been helpful in your journey to becoming a traveling surgical tech.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The average salary for a traveling surgical tech is $90,107 per year.
  • The highest-paying states for traveling surgical techs are California, Texas, and New York.
  • The most common types of positions for traveling surgical techs are OR circulators, first assistants, and scrub techs.
  • The best way to find a traveling surgical tech job is to work with a recruiter.
  • Traveling surgical techs enjoy a variety of benefits, including flexible schedules, competitive pay, and the opportunity to work in different settings.

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.