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

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Idaho employs 1,100 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $72,550 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Idaho (May 2025)

Idaho median pay: $72,550 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $48,430
Experienced (75th percentile): $77,640
Top earners (90th percentile): $87,210
Employed in Idaho: 1,100
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

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

Boise City: $76,650 (460 employed)
Twin Falls: $63,280 (60 employed)
Pocatello: $59,550 (40 employed)
Logan: $50,290 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho

Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,550 median stretches to roughly $75,969 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)

Idaho is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +23.5%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Idaho License and Certification Requirements

No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Idaho state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.

Idaho 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 Idaho state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →

Training in Idaho

Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:

Boise State University — Certificate
College of Eastern Idaho — Certificate / Associate
College of Southern Idaho — Certificate / Associate
College of Western Idaho — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Idaho

Real Idaho surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Boise Endoscopy Center — Boise
North Idaho Pain Center — Coeur D'alene
North Idaho Cataract & Laser Center — Coeur D'alene
Parkway Surgery Center — Blackfoot
Emerald Surgical Center — Boise
Idaho Endoscopy Center — Boise

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 Idaho?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Idaho is $72,550 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,430, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Idaho state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Idaho does not license surgical technologists.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Idaho?

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

Which Idaho metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Idaho metro areas, Boise City leads at $76,650, followed by Twin Falls ($63,280), Pocatello ($59,550). 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 Idaho?

Real Idaho options include Boise State University, College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Idaho?

Idaho projects surgical technologists employment to change +23.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Idaho 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 Idaho wages · Idaho 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.