Surgical Technologist in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Hawaii employs 290 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $82,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $82,640 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,370
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $88,160
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $94,010
- Employed in Hawaii
- 290
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Hawaii markets:
- Urban Honolulu
- $87,330 (230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii
Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $82,640 median is worth closer to $75,127 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +9.1%, 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.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Hawaii state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Hawaii 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 Hawaii state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Hawaii
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Kapiolani Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Hawaii
Real Hawaii surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Windward Surgery Center — Kailua
- The Endoscopy Center — Hilo
- The Surgical Suites, LLC — Honolulu
- Aloha Eye Clinic Surgical Center, LLC — Wailuku
- Hawaii Vision Surgical Suites LLC — Hilo
- Hilo Community Surgery Center — Hilo
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 Hawaii?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Hawaii is $82,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,370, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,010. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Hawaii?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Hawaii state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Hawaii does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Hawaii?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Hawaii metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $87,330. 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 Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Kapiolani Community College. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects surgical technologists employment to change +9.1% 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), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Hawaii 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 Hawaii wages · Hawaii 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.