2026 Florida Surgical Technician Salary Breakdown
Interested in learning about the earning potential of surgical technicians in Florida? Discover the salary landscape for 2026. With roles in high demand and competitive pay rates, understanding the financial rewards can help you make informed career decisions. Whether you’re entering a surgical technician program or an experienced professional, it’s crucial to know your worth in this dynamic field. This guide breaks down average salaries, geographical differences, and the importance of certifications. Stay ahead in your career by exploring how the association of surgical technologist credentials can impact your earnings.
Salary Overview
Understanding the salary landscape for surgical technicians in Florida provides critical insights into career planning and earning potential in this vital healthcare role. Surgical technicians, also referred to as surgical technologists, play an essential part in surgical procedures by assisting medical teams and ensuring that operations run smoothly.
The national median annual wage for surgical technologists was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 data, though exact figures weren’t retrievable here. However, employment for surgical technologists is expected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 8,700 openings each year[1].
Florida Salary Data
- According to Indeed, the average base salary for surgical technologists in Florida in 2025 was $97,063 per year[2].
- Salary.com provides a more conservative estimate for certified surgical technologists with an average salary of $55,374 in 2025, and $53,045 as of 2026[3].
When considering Florida’s salary metrics using these varied sources, Indeed suggests a significantly higher average, reflecting data possibly skewed toward higher-paying roles like traveling positions.
Experience Level Breakdown
Although specific experience-level wage details aren’t available through authoritative data, general career progression in surgical technology often leads to increased earnings with experience. For instance, starting salaries, as cited by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, are about $29,700 annually, with an average of $41,790[1].
Geographic Analysis: Florida
Differences in pay across various Florida cities highlight the influence of local market conditions:
- Ocala, FL: Average hourly wage is $26.84, about 11% higher than the state average[4].
- Tampa, FL: Offers wages ranging from $20 to $31 per hour, with an average of $26[5].
- Jacksonville, FL: Average annual salary is $95,727[2].
Salary Trends for 2026
While comprehensive trend data is not fully available, Salary.com indicates a −4.2% decrease in average salary year-over-year from 2025 to 2026 for certified surgical technologists in Florida. This decrease could reflect data changes rather than a market trend[3].
The 6% projected growth in job openings from 2023 to 2033 suggests a continuing demand for surgical technologists[1].
Factors Affecting Salary
Certifications and specialties can significantly impact earnings but specific Florida data is limited. National trends indicate that roles like Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) surgical technologists are compensated higher in travel positions, with weekly pay ranging from $1,700 to $3,003[6].
Certifications such as those from the Association of Surgical Technologists typically lead to better compensation[1].
How to Increase Salary
Strategies to enhance earnings for surgical technicians include pursuing certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neuro-surgery, and exploring travel positions which often offer higher pay. While direct salary data is lacking, these methods are generally recognized to provide financial benefits in healthcare roles.Conclusion
The landscape for surgical technicians in Florida in 2026 presents diverse salary insights. With an average annual salary of $97,063[2], professionals in this field enjoy competitive pay. However, certified surgical technologists earn around $53,045 annually[3], highlighting the impact of certification.
- Top-paying areas include Ocala, at $26.84 per hour[4].
- Growth outlook for the profession shows a 6% increase from 2023 to 2033[1].
Explore our surgical technologist salary guide in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average surgical technologist salary in Florida in 2026?
In 2026, the average salary for a surgical technologist in Florida is approximately $97,063[2].
How much does an entry-level surgical technologist make in Florida?
Entry-level surgical technologists in Florida start with a salary of around $29,700 per year[1].
Is surgical technologist salary higher in Florida or Georgia?
While specific comparative data isn’t provided, Florida’s average is reported at $97,063[2]. Check local listings for Georgia specifics.
What certifications increase surgical technologist salary the most?
Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) can enhance earnings, averaging $53,045 annually[3].
Is surgical technologist salary expected to increase in 2027?
With a projected growth of 6% by 2033, salary potential is likely to rise alongside demand[1].
Do travel surgical technologists make more than staff surgical technologists?
Yes, travel surgical technologists can earn from $1,700 to $3,003 per week for specialized roles, significantly higher than regular positions[6]. Discover how to negotiate your surgical technologist salary effectively to leverage these opportunities.
Sources
[1] PHSC. www.phsc.edu/academics/programs/health/surgical-technology
[2] Indeed. www.indeed.com/career/surgical-technologist/salaries/FL
[3] Salary.com. www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/surgical-technologist-certified-salary/fl
[4] Vivian.com. www.vivian.com/allied-health/surgical-tech/ocala-fl/salary
[5] Randstad USA. www.randstadusa.com/salary/surgical-technologist-salaries/tampa-florida
[6] AMN Healthcare. www.amnhealthcare.com/careers/allied/apply/travel-cardiovascular-operating-room-surgical-technology-allied-jobs/