Surgical Technologist in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Nevada employs 1,110 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $75,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Nevada (May 2025)
- Nevada median pay
- $75,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,330
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $84,930
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $102,430
- Employed in Nevada
- 1,110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Nevada markets:
- Reno
- $75,830 (180 employed)
- Las Vegas
- $74,200 (860 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada
Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,480 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)
Nevada is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +16.8%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally.
Nevada License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Nevada state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Nevada 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 Nevada state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Nevada
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; Las Vegas and Reno hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:
- Advanced Training Institute — Certificate
- College of Southern Nevada — Certificate / Associate
- Great Basin College — Certificate / Associate
- Las Vegas College — Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Nevada
Real Nevada surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Carson Endoscopy Center — Carson City
- Physician's Surgery Center of Nevada — Carson City
- Sierra Center for Foot Surgery — Carson City
- Western Nevada Surgical Center Inc — Carson City
- Elko Community Health Center — Elko
- Great Basin Surgical Center — Elko
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 Nevada?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Nevada is $75,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,330, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Nevada?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Nevada state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Nevada does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Nevada?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Nevada metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Nevada metro areas, Reno leads at $75,830, followed by Las Vegas ($74,200). 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 Nevada?
Real Nevada options include Advanced Training Institute, College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin 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 Nevada?
Nevada projects surgical technologists employment to change +16.8% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Nevada 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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.