Surgical Technologist in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 310 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $80,380 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $80,380 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $54,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,470
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,060
- Employed in Alaska
- 310
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Alaska markets:
- Anchorage
- $80,880 (210 employed)
- Fairbanks
- $75,640 (30 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,380 median is worth closer to $78,496 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +11.0%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Alaska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Alaska does not license surgical technologists.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (~1–2 years).
- Earn the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential — the hiring standard.
Official requirements: No Alaska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Alaska
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; Alaska's hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- University of Alaska Anchorage — Certificate / Associate
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate / Associate
- University of Alaska Southeast — Certificate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Alaska
Real Alaska surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Geneva Woods Surgical Center — Anchorage
- Alaska Cardiovascular Surgery Center — Anchorage
- Alaska Digestive Center, LLC — Anchorage
- Alaska Eye Surgery and Laser Center, Inc — Anchorage
- Alaska Surgery Center — Anchorage
- Alpine Surgery Center — Anchorage
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.
Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
First Steps
Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Alaska?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Alaska is $80,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Alaska?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Alaska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Alaska does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Alaska?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Alaska metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $80,880, followed by Fairbanks ($75,640). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects surgical technologists employment to change +11.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Alaska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.