Surgical tech jobs in Alaska are available in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty surgical departments across the state. Whether you're an experienced scrub tech or exploring a career as a surgical technologist, this page covers key information about working in Alaska, including certification expectations, salary insights, and major employers.
Below you'll find the latest surgical technologist and scrub tech jobs currently hiring across Alaska.
Alaska does not require a state license or registration to work as a surgical technologist. This means surgical techs can work in operating rooms without a state-issued credential.
However, many employers still prefer candidates who hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Hospitals often prioritize applicants who have completed an accredited surgical technology program and passed a national certification exam.
For job seekers, earning the CST can improve hiring prospects and open the door to more competitive OR tech roles. Many Alaska employers also accept military surgical training or equivalent operating room experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists in Alaska earn a mean annual wage of $73,960 and a median annual wage of $75,230.
Salaries vary based on experience, certification status, and workplace setting. Entry-level surgical techs near the 10th percentile earn about $59,130, while experienced professionals near the 90th percentile earn approximately $89,610.
Certified surgical technologists and those working in hospital operating rooms often earn higher wages than those in smaller outpatient facilities. Specialized surgical services and remote healthcare facilities may also offer competitive pay.
Surgical tech jobs are concentrated in Alaska’s larger healthcare hubs. Major hospital systems and healthcare employers include Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Native Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, and Bartlett Regional Hospital.
Most opportunities are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, where large hospitals and surgical departments operate. Regional hospitals and tribal health systems throughout the state also hire operating room technicians and scrub techs.
Most surgical technologists begin by completing an accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 12 to 24 months and may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES prepare graduates to take the CST exam. After completing training and certification, candidates can apply for scrub tech, surgical technologist, or operating room technician roles in Alaska hospitals and surgery centers.
Surgical technologist salaries in Alaska are among the higher ranges nationally, but living costs—particularly housing and transportation—can be higher in cities like Anchorage and Juneau. Even so, many surgical techs find the compensation competitive, especially when working for large hospital systems.
See who's hiring now in Alaska.