Surgical Technologist in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Montana employs 490 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $60,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $60,970 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,690
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,580
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,330
- Employed in Montana
- 490
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $65,600 (50 employed)
- Missoula
- $64,030 (70 employed)
- Helena
- $62,910 (40 employed)
- Billings
- $54,920 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,970 median stretches to roughly $64,450 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +9.6%, 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.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Montana state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Montana 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 Montana state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Montana
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Certificate / Associate
- Highlands College of Montana Tech — Associate
- Montana State University Billings — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Montana
Real Montana surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Gallatin Valley Surgery Center LLC — Bozeman
- Mes Surgery Center, LLC — Bozeman
- Missoula Bone & Joint Surgery Center — Missoula
- Big Horn Surgery Center — Billings
- Northern Rockies Surgery Center — Billings
- Vance Thompson Vision Surgery Center Billings, LLC — Billings
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 Montana?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Montana is $60,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,330. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Montana?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Montana state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Montana does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Montana?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Montana metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $65,600, followed by Missoula ($64,030), Helena ($62,910). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University, Highlands College of Montana Tech. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects surgical technologists employment to change +9.6% 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Montana 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.