Surgical Technologist in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
New Jersey employs 2,780 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $77,200 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- $77,200 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,270
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $85,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $100,490
- Employed in New Jersey
- 2,780
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major New Jersey markets:
- New York–Newark
- $84,120 (6,320 employed)
- Trenton–Princeton
- $70,610 (150 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $69,650 (2,020 employed)
- Atlantic City
- $63,250 (160 employed)
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $62,250 (370 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey
Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,200 median is worth closer to $70,956 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +9.2%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Jersey License and Certification Requirements
CST (NBSTSA) national certification — employer preferred, not legally required — regulated by the No New Jersey state license — no legislative requirement.
- New Jersey has no surgical technologist licensing law. Most NJ hospital systems require CST certification as a hiring condition.
- Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months at a community college, with a clinical externship in a hospital OR).
- Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA). Maintain certification with 30 CE credits every 4 years.
Official requirements: No New Jersey state license — no legislative requirement →
Training in New Jersey
NJ CAAHEP-accredited surgical tech programs include those at Bergen Community College and Mercer County Community College. Major NJ health systems — RWJBarnabas, Atlantic Health, Hackensack Meridian, and Cooper University Health — operate large surgical programs and hire surgical techs consistently. Proximity to Philadelphia and New York City academic medical centers also opens additional opportunities.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education — Certificate
- American Institute-Cherry Hill — Certificate
- American Institute-Clifton — Certificate
- American Institute-Somerset — Certificate
Where Surgical technologists Work in New Jersey
Real New Jersey surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- River Drive Surgery and Laser Center — Elmwood Park
- Precision Surgery Center of Englewood Cliffs — Englewood Cliffs
- Summit Atlantic Surgery Center, LLC — Florham Park
- Endoscopy Center of Monmouth County — Freehold
- Cares Surgi Center, LLC — New Brunswick
- Toms River West Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC — Toms River
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 New Jersey?
The median wage for surgical technologists in New Jersey is $77,200 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,490. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in New Jersey?
CST (NBSTSA) national certification — employer preferred, not legally required, overseen by the No New Jersey state license — no legislative requirement. New Jersey has no surgical technologist licensing law. Most NJ hospital systems require CST certification as a hiring condition.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in New Jersey?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which New Jersey metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $84,120, followed by Trenton–Princeton ($70,610), Philadelphia ($69,650). 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 New Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education, American Institute-Cherry Hill, American Institute-Clifton. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in New Jersey?
New Jersey projects surgical technologists employment to change +9.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 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), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No New Jersey state license — no legislative requirement (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 New Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.