Surgical Technologist in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Oregon employs 1,090 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $81,390 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $81,390 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,930
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,640
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,330
- Employed in Oregon
- 1,090
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $82,430 (650 employed)
- Eugene
- $79,210 (110 employed)
- Salem
- $78,010 (100 employed)
- Medford
- $76,720 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,390 median is worth closer to $78,714 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +9.9%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Oregon state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Oregon 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 Oregon state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Oregon
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
- Carrington College-Portland — Associate
- Central Oregon Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Oregon
Real Oregon surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Doctors Park Surgery Center — Bend
- Cascade Surgicenter, LLC — Bend
- Interstate Ambulatory Surgical Center — Portland
- Cascade Endoscopy Center — Springfield
- Waverly Lake Surgery Center — Albany
- Pacific Surgery Center, LLC — Eugene
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 Oregon?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Oregon is $81,390 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,930, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,330. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Oregon?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Oregon state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Oregon does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Oregon?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Oregon metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $82,430, followed by Eugene ($79,210), Salem ($78,010). 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 Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community 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 Oregon?
Oregon projects surgical technologists employment to change +9.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Oregon 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.