Missouri offers steady demand for surgical technologists across large hospital systems, community hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers. Whether you're an experienced scrub tech or training for your first operating room role, this page covers job opportunities, certification expectations, and salary insights for surgical tech jobs in Missouri.
Below you’ll find the latest surgical technologist job openings across Missouri.
Missouri does not require a state license or certification to work as a surgical technologist. However, state law sets training standards for people performing surgical technology duties in healthcare facilities, and employers typically expect formal education from an accredited surgical technology program.
Many hospitals strongly prefer candidates who hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Graduates may work for a limited period after finishing school while pursuing certification. Facilities are responsible for verifying education and ongoing training requirements for surgical tech staff.
In practice, most competitive surgical tech jobs in Missouri list CST certification as preferred or required by the employer, even though the state itself does not mandate it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists in Missouri is $63,250, with a median annual wage of $50,760. The state employs about 2,060 surgical techs across hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices.
Actual pay can vary depending on several factors, including experience level, certification status, and the type of facility. Large hospital systems and specialized surgical departments often offer higher salaries than smaller outpatient centers. Surgical technologists working in orthopedic, cardiovascular, or trauma surgery may also see higher compensation.
Most surgical technologist jobs in Missouri are concentrated in major metro healthcare hubs, especially St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.
Major healthcare employers in the state include:
These systems operate large hospitals, trauma centers, and ambulatory surgery centers that regularly hire scrub techs, OR techs, and certified surgical technologists.
Most surgical techs in Missouri complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 12 to 24 months. Programs combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms.
After graduating, many candidates take the CST certification exam through the NBSTSA. While not required by the state, certification can improve hiring prospects and advancement opportunities.
Missouri’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly outside major metros. Surgical technologist salaries in cities like Springfield or Columbia often stretch further than in larger urban markets, while St. Louis and Kansas City offer the largest concentration of hospital-based surgical tech jobs.
Explore active roles and find your next opportunity in Missouri.