Surgical Technologist in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Iowa employs 950 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $60,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $60,540 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,280
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,880
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,100
- Employed in Iowa
- 950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Iowa markets:
- Omaha
- $65,050 (380 employed)
- Des Moines
- $62,250 (230 employed)
- Davenport
- $60,520 (110 employed)
- Waterloo
- $59,910 (40 employed)
- Iowa City
- $58,930 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,540 median stretches to roughly $68,952 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +8.5%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Iowa state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Iowa 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 Iowa state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Iowa
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Allen College — Certificate / Associate
- Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Eastern Iowa Community College District — Certificate / Associate
- Hawkeye Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Iowa
Real Iowa surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Mercy River Hills Surgery Center — Grimes
- Pierce Street Same Day Surgery — Sioux City
- Surgery Center of Des Moines West — West Des Moines
- Ames Surgery Center LLC — Ames
- Ankeny Medical Park Surgery Center — Ankeny
- West Lakes Surgery Center LLC — Clive
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 Iowa?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Iowa is $60,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,100. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Iowa?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Iowa state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Iowa does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Iowa?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Iowa metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $65,050, followed by Des Moines ($62,250), Davenport ($60,520). 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 Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Allen College, Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College District. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects surgical technologists employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Iowa 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 Iowa wages · Iowa 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.