Surgical Technologist in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Maine employs 470 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $62,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $62,860 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,330
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $75,270
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,380
- Employed in Maine
- 470
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Maine markets:
- Portland
- $65,910 (200 employed)
- Bangor
- $60,620 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,860 median stretches to roughly $64,804 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +8.9%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Maine state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Maine 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 Maine state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Maine
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Eastern Maine Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Kennebec Valley Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Maine College of Health Professions — Certificate / Associate
- Northern Maine Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Maine
Real Maine surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Oa Asc LLC — Portland
- Vision Care of Maine, LLC - Bangor — Bangor
- Coastal Eye Surgery Center, LLC — Ellsworth
- Maine Dental Surgery Center, PC — Yarmouth
- Bangor Eye Surgery, PA — Bangor
- Downeast Surgery Center — Bangor
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 Maine?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Maine is $62,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,330, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,380. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Maine?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Maine state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Maine does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Maine?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Maine metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $65,910, followed by Bangor ($60,620). 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 Maine?
Real Maine options include Eastern Maine Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Maine College of Health Professions. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects surgical technologists employment to change +8.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Maine 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 Maine wages · Maine 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.