Surgical Technologist in District of Columbia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
District of Columbia employs 340 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $77,520 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact District of Columbia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in District of Columbia (May 2025)
- District of Columbia median pay
- $77,520 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,780
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,180
- Employed in District of Columbia
- 340
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major District of Columbia markets:
- Washington
- $78,750 (1,430 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in District of Columbia
Prices in District of Columbia run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 109.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,520 median is worth closer to $70,537 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in District of Columbia (2024–2034)
District of Columbia is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +6.2%, 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.
District of Columbia License and Certification Requirements
No license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No DC license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- DC 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 DC license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in District of Columbia
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; DC-area hospital systems hire steadily.
Where Surgical technologists Work in District of Columbia
Real District of Columbia surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Endoscopy Center of Washington — Washington
- Medstar Surgery Center at Lafayette Centre — Washington
- Walter Reed Army Hosp — Washington
- Medstar Washington Hospital Center — Washington
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital — Washington
- Howard University Hospital Corp — Washington
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 District of Columbia?
The median wage for surgical technologists in District of Columbia is $77,520 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in District of Columbia?
No license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No DC license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. DC does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in District of Columbia?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which District of Columbia metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among District of Columbia metro areas, Washington leads at $78,750. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia projects surgical technologists employment to change +6.2% 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), District of Columbia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No DC 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 District of Columbia wages · District of Columbia 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.