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

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Virginia employs 1,910 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $67,580 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $67,580 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,980
Experienced (75th percentile): $84,100
Top earners (90th percentile): $102,020
Employed in Virginia: 1,910
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $78,750 (1,430 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $65,370 (420 employed)
Roanoke: $61,600 (110 employed)
Richmond: $60,980 (380 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $67,580 median is worth closer to $66,845 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +2.2%, slower than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

CST (NBSTSA) national certification — employer preferred, not legally required — regulated by the No Virginia state license — no legislative requirement.

Virginia has no surgical technologist licensing law. However, most Virginia hospital systems require CST certification as a condition of employment.
Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months at a community college, with OR clinical externship).
Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA). Maintain certification with 30 CE credits every 4 years.

Official requirements: No Virginia state license — no legislative requirement →

Training in Virginia

Virginia CAAHEP-accredited surgical tech programs include those at Northern Virginia Community College and Tidewater Community College. Inova Health System (Northern VA), Sentara (Hampton Roads), VCU Health and Bon Secours (Richmond), and Carilion Clinic (Roanoke) are the primary employers. Clinical placement during your program is critical — programs with established hospital OR partnerships place graduates much more reliably.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

American National University — Associate
Blue Ridge Community College — Certificate / Associate
Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging — Certificate / Associate
Brightpoint Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Virginia

Real Virginia surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Franconia-Springfield Surgery Center — Alexandria
Inova Oakville Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC — Alexandria
Surgery Center of Lynchburg — Lynchburg
Medstar Endoscopy Center Virginia LLC — McLean
Coastal Virginia Surgery Center — Newport News
Reston Surgery Center, L.p. — Reston

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 Virginia?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Virginia is $67,580 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,980, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

CST (NBSTSA) national certification — employer preferred, not legally required, overseen by the No Virginia state license — no legislative requirement. Virginia has no surgical technologist licensing law. However, most Virginia hospital systems require CST certification as a condition of employment.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Virginia?

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

Which Virginia metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $78,750, followed by Virginia Beach–Norfolk ($65,370), Roanoke ($61,600). 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 Virginia?

Real Virginia options include American National University, Blue Ridge Community College, Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Virginia?

Virginia projects surgical technologists employment to change +2.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Virginia state license — no legislative requirement (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.