Surgical Technologist in West Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
West Virginia employs 580 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $49,110 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact West Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in West Virginia (May 2025)
- West Virginia median pay
- $49,110 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,010
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,610
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $72,010
- Employed in West Virginia
- 580
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major West Virginia markets:
- Washington
- $78,750 (1,430 employed)
- Hagerstown
- $55,980 (60 employed)
- Huntington
- $51,070 (160 employed)
- Morgantown
- $49,390 (150 employed)
- Charleston
- $49,110 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in West Virginia
Prices in West Virginia run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,110 median stretches to roughly $54,872 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in West Virginia (2024–2034)
West Virginia is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +17.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
West Virginia License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No West Virginia state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- West Virginia 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 West Virginia state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in West Virginia
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in West Virginia include:
- Academy of Careers and Technology — Certificate
- Ben Franklin Career Center — Certificate
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Bluefield State University — Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in West Virginia
Real West Virginia surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Beckley Surgery Center — Beckley
- Day Surgery Center — Charleston
- Tri State Surgical Center LLC — Martinsburg
- Mon Health Center for Outpatient Surgery — Morgantown
- Surgical Eye Center of Morgantown — Morgantown
- Anwar Eye Center — Moundsville
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 West Virginia?
The median wage for surgical technologists in West Virginia is $49,110 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,010, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $72,010. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in West Virginia?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No West Virginia state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. West Virginia does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in West Virginia?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which West Virginia metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among West Virginia metro areas, Washington leads at $78,750, followed by Hagerstown ($55,980), Huntington ($51,070). 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 West Virginia?
Real West Virginia options include Academy of Careers and Technology, Ben Franklin Career Center, Blue Ridge Community and 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia projects surgical technologists employment to change +17.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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), West Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No West Virginia 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 West Virginia wages · West 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.