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Surgical Technologists

Description

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Common Tasks

  • Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
  • Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
  • Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
  • Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
  • Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Required Education

Postsecondary non-degree award

Wages

In 2016 the mean hourly wage in the Greater Sacramento area was $29.90 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $20.56 and $38.56 .

In 2016 the mean annual salary in the Greater Sacramento area was $62,188.41 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $42,781.16 and $80,205.80 .

Occupation Outlook

This occupation employed 600 people in the Greater Sacramento area during 2014.

By 2024, there is expected to be an increase of 21.7% in the number of jobs in the Greater Sacramento area for this occupation, bringing to total number to 730.

By 2024, in the Greater Sacramento area, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $30.00 with the median annual salary reaching $63,751.

Data courtesy of O*NET
O*NET in-it