Surgical Tech Salary Calculator
Median surgical tech pay is $64,700 a year. Enter your own salary to see what you actually take home after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare.
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See the take-home pay for a surgical tech salary after taxes.
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Surgical Tech (Surgical Technologist) salary: what the data says
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 wage data), the median pay for surgical assistants and technologists was $64,700 a year ($31.10 an hour). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,940 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,940. There were about 142,800 jobs in 2025, the typical entry-level education is a postsecondary nondegree award, and the BLS projects 5% growth (faster than average) from 2025 to 2035.
The BLS reports the median for surgical assistants and technologists combined. The low and high figures in the table are the lowest and highest 10 percent for surgical technologists specifically ($45,940 and $96,940); surgical assistants range from $39,690 to $107,610.
What you take home after federal tax
The table estimates take-home pay for a single filer using the 2026 federal standard deduction ($16,100), the 2026 federal brackets, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45%). It does not include state or local income tax, 401(k) contributions or health insurance, which you can add in the calculator above.
| Level | Gross a year | Federal tax | Social Security + Medicare | Take-home a year | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% (cut-off) | $45,940 | $3,333 | $3,514 | $39,093 | $3,258 |
| Median | $64,700 | $5,584 | $4,950 | $54,166 | $4,514 |
| Highest 10% (cut-off) | $96,940 | $12,497 | $7,416 | $77,027 | $6,419 |
Pay varies a lot by state, city, employer, experience, shift differentials and overtime. The median is a national figure, not an offer or a guarantee. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 wage data). Tax figures: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and SSA.
How to use the surgical tech salary calculator
- Leave the annual salary at the national median or type your own pay.
- Add your 401(k) contribution percentage if you save before tax.
- Enter your state income tax rate (0 if your state has none).
- Read your take-home pay per year, month, paycheck and hour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a surgical tech make a year?
The median pay for surgical assistants and technologists was $64,700 a year in May 2025 ($31.10 an hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay depends on state, employer and experience.
How much does a surgical tech take home after taxes?
On the national median of $64,700, a single filer keeps about $54,166 a year ($4,514 a month) after federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare, before any state tax.
What is the hourly pay for surgical assistants and technologists?
The median hourly pay was $31.10 in 2025. At 2,080 working hours a year that is roughly $64,688 before taxes.
What education do you need to become a surgical tech?
The BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education.
Is the surgical tech job outlook good?
The BLS projects 5% growth (faster than average) from 2025 to 2035. Actual local demand depends on your area.
Does this calculator include state tax?
Only if you enter a state rate. By default it estimates federal income tax and FICA for a single filer, so your real take-home pay will be lower in states with an income tax.
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