Surgical Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania

If you're searching for surgical tech jobs in Pennsylvania, this page highlights current opportunities along with key information about certification requirements, salaries, and where surgical technologists work across the state. Whether you're an experienced scrub tech or exploring the profession, understanding Pennsylvania’s job market can help you move forward.

Below you’ll find live surgical technologist job listings across Pennsylvania.

Certification and Licensure in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires surgical technologists to meet specific education and credentialing standards to work in operating rooms. State law requires surgical techs to complete an accredited surgical technology program or obtain an approved national certification.

Most professionals meet these requirements by graduating from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program and earning the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Hospitals are responsible for verifying that surgical technologists meet these standards. Some limited exceptions exist for individuals who were trained on the job before the law took effect or those working while completing program requirements.

Surgical Tech Salaries in Pennsylvania

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, surgical technologists in Pennsylvania earn a mean annual wage of $57,450 and a median annual wage of $56,780. Wages typically range from $40,950 at the 10th percentile to $77,870 at the 90th percentile.

Compensation varies depending on experience, certification status, employer type, and surgical specialty. Surgical techs working in large hospital systems or specialized surgical departments often earn more than those working in smaller community hospitals or outpatient surgery centers.

Where Surgical Techs Work in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a large healthcare sector with surgical technologist jobs available in hospitals, academic medical centers, and ambulatory surgery facilities.

Major employers include:

• UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
• Penn Medicine
• Jefferson Health
• Geisinger Health System

The largest concentrations of scrub tech jobs are in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, and Erie, though regional hospitals across the state also employ surgical technologists.

How to Become a Surgical Tech in Pennsylvania

To work as a surgical technologist in Pennsylvania, most candidates complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 12 to 24 months and includes classroom education plus clinical rotations in operating rooms.

Graduates then take the national certification exam to earn the CST credential, which is commonly required by Pennsylvania healthcare employers.

Cost of Living Context

Pennsylvania’s cost of living varies by region. Major metro areas like Philadelphia tend to have higher housing costs, while many mid-sized cities and rural areas remain more affordable. Surgical technologist salaries often stretch further outside the largest metropolitan areas while still offering steady employment in regional hospital systems.

See who's hiring now in Pennsylvania.