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Surgical Technologist in Florida: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Florida employs 9,120 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $62,440 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Florida licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Florida (May 2025)

Florida median pay: $62,440 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $41,270
Experienced (75th percentile): $75,170
Top earners (90th percentile): $85,620
Employed in Florida: 9,120
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Florida markets:

Miami–Fort Lauderdale: $65,520 (2,200 employed)
Jacksonville: $64,070 (850 employed)
Tampa Bay: $62,910 (1,260 employed)
Fort Myers: $61,780 (350 employed)
Orlando: $61,730 (1,490 employed)
Sarasota–Bradenton: $60,840 (380 employed)
Pensacola: $60,520 (220 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Florida

Prices in Florida run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,440 median is worth closer to $60,387 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Florida (2026–2034)

Florida is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +8.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 608 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Florida License and Certification Requirements

CST (NBSTSA) certification — required within 12 months of graduation to work in facilities — regulated by the No license — Florida law (2022) requires accredited training + national certification.

Florida doesn't license surgical techs, but since 2022 state law requires graduation from an accredited program and national certification (CST) within 12 months of graduating to work in a healthcare facility.
Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months).
Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA).

Official requirements: No license — Florida law (2022) requires accredited training + national certification →

Training in Florida

Florida's surgery volume — driven by the retiree population — keeps ORs busy statewide. State and technical college programs (Eastern Florida State, College of Central Florida, Sheridan Technical) are the affordable route.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Florida include:

ATA Career Education — Associate
Advance Science International College — Associate
AdventHealth University — Certificate / Associate
American Medical Academy — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Florida

Real Florida surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Centerone Surgery Center — Jacksonville
Lee Health Surgery Center-Urology — Fort Myers
North Florida Surgical Pavilion — Gainesville
The Surgery Center of Ft Lauderdale — Lauderdale Lakes
Downtown Surgery Center — Orlando
Jewett Orthopedic Institute Surgery Center — Orlando

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 Florida?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Florida is $62,440 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $41,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Florida?

CST (NBSTSA) certification — required within 12 months of graduation to work in facilities, overseen by the No license — Florida law (2022) requires accredited training + national certification. Florida doesn't license surgical techs, but since 2022 state law requires graduation from an accredited program and national certification (CST) within 12 months of graduating to work in a healthcare facility.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Florida?

Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

Which Florida metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Florida metro areas, Miami–Fort Lauderdale leads at $65,520, followed by Jacksonville ($64,070), Tampa Bay ($62,910). 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 Florida?

Real Florida options include ATA Career Education, Advance Science International College, AdventHealth University. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Florida?

Florida projects surgical technologists employment to change +8.6% from 2026 to 2034, with about 608 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), Florida statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No license — Florida law (2022) requires accredited training + national certification (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 Florida wages · Florida 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.