Surgical Technologist in Ohio: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Ohio employs 3,730 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $62,420 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Ohio licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Ohio (May 2025)
- Ohio median pay
- $62,420 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,110
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,790
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,640
- Employed in Ohio
- 3,730
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Ohio markets:
- Dayton
- $64,640 (290 employed)
- Columbus
- $64,120 (750 employed)
- Cincinnati
- $63,450 (670 employed)
- Toledo
- $62,470 (230 employed)
- Cleveland
- $62,130 (750 employed)
- Akron
- $60,010 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Ohio
Prices in Ohio run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,420 median stretches to roughly $67,263 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Ohio (2024–2034)
Ohio is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +1.2%, slower than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Ohio License and Certification Requirements
CST certification — required by most Ohio hospitals, not by law — regulated by the No Ohio license or certification law — employer standard.
- Ohio has no surgical tech law — but major systems (Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, UC Health) require or strongly prefer CST certification.
- Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months).
- Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA).
Official requirements: No Ohio license or certification law — employer standard →
Training in Ohio
Cleveland Clinic's OR volume alone makes northeast Ohio a strong market. Community college programs (Tri-C, Columbus State, Sinclair, Stark State) are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Ohio include:
- ATA College-Cincinnati — Associate
- Auburn Career Center — Certificate
- Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences — Associate
- Belmont College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Ohio
Real Ohio surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Central Ohio Endoscopy Center LLC — Columbus
- Physicians Regional Surgery Center LLC — Saint Clairsville
- Digestive Health Center, Ltd — Akron
- Surgery Center at Akron General Health & Wellness — Akron
- Surgery Alliance Ltd — Alliance
- University Hospitals Amherst Beaver Creek Surgery Center — Amherst
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 Ohio?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Ohio is $62,420 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,640. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Ohio?
CST certification — required by most Ohio hospitals, not by law, overseen by the No Ohio license or certification law — employer standard. Ohio has no surgical tech law — but major systems (Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, UC Health) require or strongly prefer CST certification.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Ohio?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Ohio metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Ohio metro areas, Dayton leads at $64,640, followed by Columbus ($64,120), Cincinnati ($63,450). 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 Ohio?
Real Ohio options include ATA College-Cincinnati, Auburn Career Center, Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Ohio?
Ohio projects surgical technologists employment to change +1.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 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), Ohio statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Ohio license or certification law — employer 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 Ohio wages · Ohio 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.