Surgical Technologist in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Mississippi employs 1,110 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $49,810 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $49,810 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,590
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $66,300
- Employed in Mississippi
- 1,110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Mississippi markets:
- Memphis
- $61,150 (630 employed)
- Jackson
- $59,990 (320 employed)
- Gulfport
- $50,120 (80 employed)
- Hattiesburg
- $48,610 (210 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,810 median stretches to roughly $57,253 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +12.4%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Mississippi state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Mississippi 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 Mississippi state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Mississippi
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:
- Coahoma Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Associate
- East Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
- East Mississippi Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Mississippi
Real Mississippi surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Oxford Surgery Center — Oxford
- New South Neuro Spine, LLC Pain Center — Flowood
- Ambulatory Cardiovascular Center of MS — Hattiesburg
- M a E Physicians Surgery Center LLC — Jackson
- Rayner Eye Clinic Surgical Center — Oxford
- Advanced Surgical Care — Flowood
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 Mississippi?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Mississippi is $49,810 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $66,300. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Mississippi?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Mississippi state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Mississippi does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Mississippi?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Mississippi metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Mississippi metro areas, Memphis leads at $61,150, followed by Jackson ($59,990), Gulfport ($50,120). 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 Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Central 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi projects surgical technologists employment to change +12.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Mississippi 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 Mississippi wages · Mississippi 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.