South Dakota offers surgical technologists opportunities in regional hospitals, community health systems, and outpatient surgery centers. If you’re exploring surgical tech jobs in South Dakota, this page provides quick insight into certification expectations, salary data, and where scrub techs and OR techs most often work.
Below you’ll find the latest surgical technologist job listings across South Dakota.
South Dakota 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. Even though certification is not required by state law, it is frequently listed as preferred or required in job postings for scrub techs, surgical technologists, and operating room technicians.
Graduating from an accredited program and maintaining professional certification can help candidates remain competitive in the state’s healthcare job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists in South Dakota is $50,030, with a median annual wage of $49,020. Entry-level surgical techs earn around $37,590 at the 10th percentile, while experienced professionals can earn approximately $65,790 at the 90th percentile.
Pay varies based on experience, certification status, surgical specialty, and facility type. Surgical technologists working in larger regional hospitals or specialty surgical units may earn more than those in smaller outpatient surgery centers.
Most surgical technologist jobs in South Dakota are located in the state’s largest healthcare hubs, including Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings.
Major healthcare employers include:
These organizations operate hospitals, regional medical centers, and surgical facilities that regularly hire scrub techs, operating room technicians, and certified surgical technologists.
Most surgical technologists in South Dakota 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 employment prospects with hospitals and surgical centers across the state.
South Dakota’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly outside Sioux Falls. Surgical technologist salaries often stretch further than in many larger states, while Sioux Falls offers the largest concentration of hospital-based surgical tech jobs.
Check current listings in South Dakota.