Considering a career as a scrub tech? Here’s what you can expect to earn in terms of salary and benefits.
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What is a scrub tech?
A scrub tech is a medical professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. They are responsible for sterilizing the operating room, setting up the instruments, and helping the surgeon during the procedure. The average scrub tech salary is $33,000 per year.
Duties of a scrub tech
A surgical scrub tech, also called a sterile processing technician, is a critical member of the surgical team. Scrub techs prepare the operating room for surgery by making sure all instruments and supplies are clean and ready to use. They also help the surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and supplies.
After surgery, scrub techs clean and sterilize all instruments and equipment. They also may apply dressings to incisions, prepare patients for transportation to recovery rooms and provide instructions to families about postoperative care.
To work as a scrub tech, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal training program. Formal programs usually last about nine months and result in a certificate or diploma.
Education and training requirements
A scrub tech, also called a surgical technologist, is a medical professional who works alongside surgeons, nurses and other medical staff during surgical procedures. Scrub techs are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile, and that all of the necessary tools and equipment are ready for use. They also assist surgeons during surgery, passing them instruments and other supplies as needed.
In order to become a scrub tech, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Some scrub tech programs may also require you to complete some college coursework, although this is not always necessary. There are both accredited online and on-campus surgical technologist programs available, which will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter this field. Upon completion of an accredited program, you will need to obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
What is the average scrub tech salary?
Scrub techs are in high demand and the average scrub tech salary is reflective of this demand. Scrub techs can earn a competitive salary, especially if they are certified and have experience. The average scrub tech salary is $33,000, but salaries can range from $28,000 to $38,000.
Scrub tech salary by experience
As with any profession, salary for scrub techs will vary based on experience. The average Scrub Tech I salary is $38,816, according to Payscale.com, while the average Scrub Tech II salary is $41,845. The average Scrub Tech III salary is $44,645. More experienced Scrub Techs can make upwards of $50,000 per year.
Scrub tech salary by state
While the average scrub tech salary is highest in California, Texas and Florida, scrub techs in all states earn a good wage.
The national average annual salary for scrub techs is $43,470, or $20.92 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019. The median salary is the point at which half of all workers earn more than that amount and half earn less. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $30,560 per year, while the highest 10% earn more than $61,490 annually.
State averages for annual salaries range from a low of $37,070 in Montana to a high of $52,280 in California. Among the four most populous states, salaries fall in this order: California ($52,280), Texas ($46,970), Florida ($44,810) and New York ($41,480).
How to increase your scrub tech salary
There are a few key things you can do to help increase your scrub tech salary. One is to get certified. You can become certified through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Healthcare Association. Once you are certified, you will be able to show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Another way to increase your scrub tech salary is to get experience.
Get certified
There are many ways to increase your scrub tech salary. One way is to get certified. There are two main certifications for scrub techs: the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Both of these certifications require passing an exam, and both exams cover the same material. The CST is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, and the NBSTSA is offered by the National Healthcare Association. Both exams are multiple choice and cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, sterilization procedures, and surgical instruments. Many employers require certification, so this is a great way to increase your salary.
Another way to increase your scrub tech salary is to specialize. There are many specialties within the surgical technology field, such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or orthopedic surgery. Specializing in one of these areas can lead to a higher salary, as you will have more knowledge and experience in that particular area. Employers are often willing to pay more for scrub techs who specialize in a certain area.
Finally, you can also try to negotiate a higher salary when you are offered a job. This may not always be possible, but it is worth trying if you feel like you deserve a higher salary than what is being offered. Many employers are willing to negotiate salaries, so this is definitely something that you should consider if you want to earn more money as a scrub tech.
Pursue continuing education
In order to pursue continuing education, you will need to research what type of courses are available to you, and how they can help you meet your long-term career goals. Continuing education can be expensive, so it is important to find out if your employer offers any type of tuition reimbursement or financial assistance. You may also want to look into scholarships or grants that can help you cover the costs of your courses.
Network with other professionals
As a scrub tech, you should always be looking for ways to increase your value as a professional. One way to do this is to network with other professionals in your field. Attend industry events, and get to know other scrub techs in your area. By expanding your network, you will become more visible to potential employers and may even be able to negotiate a higher salary.
