Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Rhode Island employs 240 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $74,130 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $74,130 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $49,910
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,520
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,850
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 240
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $77,270 (380 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,130 median is worth closer to $72,463 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +2.1%, slower than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Rhode Island state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Rhode Island
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- Community College of Rhode Island — Certificate / Associate
- New England Institute of Technology — Associate
- Roger Williams University — Certificate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Rhode Island
Real Rhode Island surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- St James Surgery Center — Warwick
- East Greenwich Endoscopy Center — East Greenwich
- Brown Medicine Endoscopy Center — East Providence
- University Orthopedics East Bay Surgery Center — East Providence
- Surgihealth Rhode Island — Johnston
- Prima Care, P.c. — North Providence
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 Rhode Island?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Rhode Island is $74,130 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,910, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,850. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Rhode Island state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Rhode Island does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Rhode Island?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Rhode Island metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $77,270. 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 Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include Community College of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects surgical technologists employment to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.