Ohio has a large healthcare workforce and consistent demand for surgical technologists in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This page covers surgical tech jobs in Ohio, including certification expectations, salary data, and where scrub techs and operating room technicians most often work.
Below you’ll find the latest surgical technologist job listings across Ohio.
Ohio does not require a state license or mandatory certification to work as a surgical technologist. However, most healthcare employers expect candidates to complete formal training through an accredited surgical technology program.
Many hospitals prefer candidates who hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. While certification is not required by state law, it is commonly listed as preferred or required by employers hiring scrub techs and OR techs.
Graduating from an accredited program and maintaining certification can help candidates remain competitive in Ohio’s hospital job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists in Ohio is $56,430, with a median annual wage of $55,460. Entry-level surgical techs earn around $40,210 at the 10th percentile, while experienced professionals can earn approximately $76,650 at the 90th percentile.
Pay varies depending on experience, certification status, surgical specialty, and facility type. Surgical technologists working in large hospital systems or specialty surgical departments often earn higher wages than those in smaller outpatient settings.
Surgical technologist jobs in Ohio are concentrated in major metro healthcare markets including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Dayton.
Major healthcare employers in the state include:
These systems operate major hospitals, trauma centers, and ambulatory surgery facilities that regularly hire scrub techs, operating room technicians, and certified surgical technologists.
Most surgical technologists in Ohio complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 12 to 24 months. Programs combine classroom education with clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms.
After graduating, many candidates pursue the CST certification exam through the NBSTSA to improve job prospects with hospitals and surgical centers across the state.
Ohio’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly outside major metro areas. Surgical technologist salaries often go further in cities like Toledo or Dayton, while Columbus and Cleveland offer the largest concentration of hospital-based surgical tech jobs.
Check current listings in Ohio.