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

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Nebraska employs 770 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $63,880 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)

Nebraska median pay: $63,880 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,870
Experienced (75th percentile): $68,840
Top earners (90th percentile): $79,350
Employed in Nebraska: 770
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

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

Lincoln: $65,110 (160 employed)
Omaha: $65,050 (380 employed)
Sioux City: $59,670 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska

Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,880 median stretches to roughly $70,899 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)

Nebraska is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +5.5%, 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.

Nebraska License and Certification Requirements

No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Nebraska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.

Nebraska 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 Nebraska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →

Training in Nebraska

Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:

CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology — Associate
Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
Clarkson College — Certificate / Associate
Creighton University — Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Nebraska

Real Nebraska surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Omaha Ambulatory Surgery Center — Omaha
Grand Island Surgery Center, LLC — Grand Island
Southwest Lincoln Surgery Center, LLC — Lincoln
Advanced Surgery Center, LLC — Omaha
Bergan Mercy Surgery Center, LLC — Omaha
Miracle Hills Surgery Center — Omaha

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 Nebraska?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Nebraska is $63,880 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,870, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,350. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Nebraska state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Nebraska does not license surgical technologists.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Nebraska?

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

Which Nebraska metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Nebraska metro areas, Lincoln leads at $65,110, followed by Omaha ($65,050), Sioux City ($59,670). 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 Nebraska?

Real Nebraska options include CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology, Central Community College, Clarkson 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 Nebraska?

Nebraska projects surgical technologists employment to change +5.5% 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Nebraska 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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.