Surgical Tech Jobs in Colorado

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Surgical Tech Jobs in Colorado

If you're searching for surgical tech jobs in Colorado, this page highlights current opportunities along with key career information for the state. Learn about certification expectations, salary ranges, and where surgical technologists most often work across Colorado.

Below you'll find live surgical technologist job listings currently hiring across Colorado.

Certification and Licensure in Colorado

Colorado does not require a state license or mandatory certification to work as a surgical technologist. However, most hospitals and surgery centers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited surgical technology program and hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.

Employers commonly look for graduates of programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, along with clinical operating room experience. Even without a statewide certification mandate, having the CST credential can significantly improve hiring prospects for scrub tech, OR tech, and surgical technologist roles in Colorado.

Surgical Tech Salaries in Colorado

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists in Colorado is $62,090, with a median annual wage of $61,480.

Actual pay varies depending on experience, certification status, and employer type. Surgical technologists working in large hospital systems or specialized surgical departments often earn higher wages than those in smaller facilities or outpatient surgery centers. Geographic location within the state can also affect pay, with higher salaries commonly seen in larger metro areas.

Where Surgical Techs Work in Colorado

Surgical technologists in Colorado work primarily in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical clinics. Major healthcare employers in the state include UCHealth, HealthONE (HCA Healthcare), CommonSpirit Health, and Intermountain Health (formerly SCL Health).

The strongest job markets for scrub techs and operating room technicians are typically found in:

  • Denver
  • Colorado Springs
  • Aurora
  • Fort Collins
  • Boulder

Many outpatient surgical centers across the Front Range also hire certified surgical technologists.

How to Become a Surgical Tech in Colorado

Most surgical technologists in Colorado begin by completing a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program offered through community colleges or technical schools. Programs typically take 12 months for a certificate or about two years for an associate degree and include clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms.

Graduates often pursue the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which many Colorado healthcare employers prefer when hiring scrub techs and operating room technicians.

Cost of Living Context

Colorado’s cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in metro areas such as Denver and Boulder where housing costs are significantly elevated. While surgical technologist salaries are relatively strong compared to many states, living expenses in these areas can offset some of that earning power.

See who's hiring now in Colorado.