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Surgical Technologist in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Texas employs 10,160 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $65,220 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $65,220 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $39,950
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,790
Top earners (90th percentile): $92,580
Employed in Texas: 10,160
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Texas markets:

Dallas–Fort Worth: $79,990 (2,790 employed)
Austin: $73,810 (700 employed)
Houston: $71,050 (2,660 employed)
El Paso: $62,980 (250 employed)
McAllen: $61,830 (190 employed)
San Antonio: $46,820 (1,390 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,220 median stretches to roughly $67,168 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +15.3%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 740 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

CST (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) national certification — regulated by the No state license — Texas law requires national certification (Health & Safety Code Ch. 259).

Texas doesn't issue a surgical tech license, but state law requires national certification to work in a healthcare facility.
Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months, includes a clinical externship).
Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA) — the most recognized credential — or the TS-C (NCCT).

Official requirements: No state license — Texas law requires national certification (Health & Safety Code Ch. 259) →

Training in Texas

Texas's large hospital systems (Houston's Texas Medical Center is the world's biggest medical complex) hire surgical techs continuously. Community college programs cost a fraction of private programs — check accreditation and clinical placement rates first.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:

Alvin Community College — Certificate / Associate
Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
Austin Community College District — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Texas

Real Texas surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Parkhill Surgery Center LLC — Plano
Houston Methodist Surgery Center- Bellaire — Bellaire
Kelsey Seybold Asc Fort Bend — Sugar Land
Kelsey Seybold Asc Bay Area — Webster
Momentum Specialty Surgery Center — Wichita Falls
Memorial Hermann Endoscopy Center Cypress — Cypress

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 Texas?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Texas is $65,220 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,950, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $92,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Texas?

CST (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) national certification, overseen by the No state license — Texas law requires national certification (Health & Safety Code Ch. 259). Texas doesn't issue a surgical tech license, but state law requires national certification to work in a healthcare facility.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Texas?

Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

Which Texas metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $79,990, followed by Austin ($73,810), Houston ($71,050). 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 Texas?

Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina 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 Texas?

Texas projects surgical technologists employment to change +15.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 740 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No state license — Texas law requires national certification (Health & Safety Code Ch. 259) (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.