Surgical Technicians
| Description |
OES Code: 32928 |
Surgical Technicians prepare operating rooms with surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile linens that will be needed during an operation. Technicians also may prepare patients for surgery by cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting body areas where the surgeon will operate. They may transport patients to operating rooms, help position them on the operating table, and drape linens over the patient to prevent any exposure.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$13.20 |
| 25th Percentile |
$14.56 |
| 50th Percentile |
$16.60 |
| 75th Percentile |
$19.43 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$12.33 |
| 25th Percentile |
$13.25 |
| 50th Percentile |
$16.61 |
| 75th Percentile |
$19.39 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
A 40-hour, five-day work week is normal for technicians, although many are required at times to be on-call, available to work on short notice, and be able to work overtime as needed to finish scheduled cases. Emergency surgery units require 24-hour coverage.
Benefits provided by most employers include paid vacation and sick leave, health, medical, vision, dental insurance and life insurance, and retirement programs. A few employers also provide child care benefits.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
4,600 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
7,800 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
69.6% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
1,500 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
60 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
80 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
33.3% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
10 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Surgical Technicians work in hospitals or other institutions that have operating room and emergency room facilities. Some technicians, often called private "scrubs," work directly for specific surgeons, assisting them in surgery.
Surgical Technicians work in a clean, well-ventilated, and well-lighted environment. The work requires a substantial amount of standing and strict attention to proper surgical procedures. At times, the work can be high-paced and stressful.
Advancement
Some Surgical Technicians advance to assistant operating room administrators and assistant operating room supervisors. Assistant operating room administrators deal with the administrative aspects of running an operating room, such as ordering supplies and arranging work schedules. Assistant operating room supervisors actually direct other technicians in the operating room.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Surgical Technicians who are graduates of formal training programs and are certified by the Liaison Council will have the best opportunities for the job openings that will occur. Those without these qualifications can expect to face competition for jobs of their choice. Some training programs offer job placement. Job seekers should check hospital job postings and the classified ads in newspapers.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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