Surgical Technologist in Utah: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Utah employs 1,170 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $62,720 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Utah (May 2025)
- Utah median pay
- $62,720 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,760
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $87,430
- Employed in Utah
- 1,170
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Utah markets:
- St. George
- $68,080 (70 employed)
- Salt Lake City
- $65,690 (470 employed)
- Ogden
- $65,440 (220 employed)
- Provo
- $61,420 (250 employed)
- Logan
- $50,290 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Utah
Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,720 median stretches to roughly $63,418 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Utah (2024–2034)
Utah is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +26.2%, 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.
Utah License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Utah state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Utah 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 Utah state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Utah
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; Wasatch Front hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Utah include:
- Bridgerland Technical College — Certificate
- Davis Technical College — Certificate
- Dixie Technical College — Certificate
- Mountainland Technical College — Certificate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Utah
Real Utah surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Highpointe Surgery Center LLC — Draper
- Intermountain Surgery Center - Avenues — Salt Lake City
- Timpview Asc, LLC — American Fork
- Lakeview Endoscopy Center — Bountiful
- Mountain West Surgical Center — Bountiful
- Oculus Surgery Center, LLC — Bountiful
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 Utah?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Utah is $62,720 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,760, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Utah?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Utah state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Utah does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Utah?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Utah metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Utah metro areas, St. George leads at $68,080, followed by Salt Lake City ($65,690), Ogden ($65,440). 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 Utah?
Real Utah options include Bridgerland Technical College, Davis Technical College, Dixie Technical 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 Utah?
Utah projects surgical technologists employment to change +26.2% 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Utah 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 Utah wages · Utah 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.