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

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Maryland employs 1,880 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $68,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $68,970 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $45,590
Experienced (75th percentile): $81,390
Top earners (90th percentile): $85,820
Employed in Maryland: 1,880
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $78,750 (1,430 employed)
Baltimore: $68,970 (1,090 employed)
Salisbury: $58,180 (80 employed)
Hagerstown: $55,980 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $68,970 median is worth closer to $65,686 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +5.5%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

None required — CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) via NBSTSA is the employer standard — regulated by the No Maryland state license required for surgical technologists.

Maryland does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County) or Montgomery College.
Earn the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) credential through NBSTSA — required or strongly preferred by Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System, and MedStar Health facilities.
Apply to Johns Hopkins Hospital, UMMS flagship and satellite hospitals, MedStar Health hospitals (Good Samaritan, Franklin Square, Union Memorial), or ambulatory surgery centers across the Baltimore and DC Maryland suburbs.

Official requirements: No Maryland state license required for surgical technologists →

Training in Maryland

Johns Hopkins Hospital is one of the premier surgical environments in the world — surgical techs at Hopkins work in highly specialized surgical suites with some of the most advanced surgical technology available. Maryland surgical tech wages are significantly above the national median, reflecting DC Metro area compensation. Hopkins's academic surgical volume creates consistent hiring demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

All-State Career-Baltimore — Certificate
Allegany College of Maryland — Associate
Anne Arundel Community College — Certificate / Associate
Baltimore City Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Maryland

Real Maryland surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Eastern Shore Endoscopy, LLC — Easton
University of Maryland Urological Surgery Center — Baltimore
Maryland Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC — Lanham
Point of Rocks Surgery Center, LLC — Point of Rocks
Clinical Associates — Towson
Mid-Atlantic Surgery Pavilion — Aberdeen

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 Maryland?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Maryland is $68,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,820. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

None required — CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) via NBSTSA is the employer standard, overseen by the No Maryland state license required for surgical technologists. Maryland does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County) or Montgomery College.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Maryland?

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

Which Maryland metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $78,750, followed by Baltimore ($68,970), Salisbury ($58,180). 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 Maryland?

Real Maryland options include All-State Career-Baltimore, Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel 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 Maryland?

Maryland projects surgical technologists employment to change +5.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 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), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Maryland state license required for surgical technologists (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 Maryland wages · Maryland 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.