South Carolina has consistent demand for surgical technologists across hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices. This page highlights surgical tech jobs in South Carolina, along with salary data, certification expectations, and where scrub techs and OR techs most often find employment.
Below you’ll find the latest surgical technologist job listings across South Carolina.
South Carolina does not require a state license or mandatory certification to work as a surgical technologist. However, healthcare employers typically expect candidates to complete formal education through an accredited surgical technology program.
Many hospitals prefer or require candidates to hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Even though certification is not mandated by state law, it is frequently listed as preferred or required in job postings for scrub techs and operating room technicians.
Completing an accredited surgical technology program and earning certification can help candidates remain competitive in the South Carolina healthcare job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists in South Carolina is $50,090, with a median annual wage of $48,720. Entry-level surgical techs earn around $36,390 at the 10th percentile, while experienced professionals can earn approximately $67,840 at the 90th percentile.
Actual pay varies depending on experience, certification status, surgical specialty, and facility type. Surgical technologists working in larger hospital systems or specialized surgical units often earn higher wages than those working in smaller outpatient surgery centers.
Surgical technologist jobs in South Carolina are concentrated in the state’s largest healthcare markets, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach.
Major healthcare employers 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 South Carolina 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 strengthen their job prospects with hospitals and surgery centers across the state.
South Carolina’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly outside coastal cities. Surgical technologist salaries often stretch further in cities like Columbia or Greenville, while Charleston offers a large concentration of hospital-based surgical tech jobs.
Explore active roles in South Carolina.