Just wondering if anyone knows how much they make...
It varies on a lot of factors, including area you work in and amount of specialization that you have. Generally though, surgical techs start around $35,000 in most areas.
I have figured out that I have been in the wrong profession for the last 20 years. I became an EMT-Basic about 2 years ago & now do that on a part time & volunteer basis. I love it! Wish I would have know 20 years ago, I would have gotten into nursing. Now I don't have the extra time or the $$ to pay for nursing school.
So, I have been trying to find something in the medical field that doesn't require years of schooling but will still pay the bills. That is my other problem. Even as a paramedic, I would still be taking a large paycut.
Find out the pay scale at hospitals you'd like to work. In my city, they only make $11/hour to start. Also realize it's a career where you'll be standing up for hours at a time.
I decided against the surgical tech thing & have decided to work towards becoming an RN. I will have to take classes at night, part-time & it will probably take me 4-5 years but I can do it. I go register tomorrow!
I've been a Tech for about 4 years now ....... and I just quit.
I realized that no matter how hard I work, or how efficient, proficient, precise, I become I'm always going to make the same amount of money, and the docs and nurses get the pats on the back.
I was making a little over 20 bucks an hour. Seasoned Techs are grossly underpaid for the amount of money made by others in the O.R. think about it.
Any given day we can scrub five different disciplines, i.e. general, ortho, vascular, plastics, gyn, etc. etc. Name any other industry were an individual has this type of skill, and their making at least 60K a year. Don't kid yourself we do more then just stay sterile and pass instruments.
Hey JWT...just some words of encouragement coming your way I was 41 when I started back to school to get my RN. That was in 2001. I will graduate in 3 semesters (I like saying 3 semesters as opposed to 1 1/2 years). I also did the part-time program as I had to continue working during the day. I has been my life long dream and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it!
Reno, i just want to say that I think you were me posting. I have been a tech for almost five years specializing in ortho and I have had enough. Completely under appreciated and over worked. Plus there is nowhere to advance unless you become a nurse, PA, or NP. I like what I do but not for the next 30 years.
Re: Surgical Tech income 
I was 41 when I started back to school to get my RN. That was in 2001. I will graduate in 3 semesters (I like saying 3 semesters as opposed to 1 1/2 years). I also did the part-time program as I had to continue working during the day. I has been my life long dream and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it!
