what is a cst
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on May 17, 2026
A certified surgical technologist, or CST, is a medical professional who assists in preparing the operating room for surgery, and assisting the surgeon before and during surgery.
What does CST stand for in medical field?
Contraction Stress Test (CST)
How much does a CST Make in Texas?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $82,402 and as low as $23,923, the majority of CST salaries currently range between $44,302 (25th percentile) to $63,795 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $73,984 annually in Texas.
How much do surgery techs make in California?
Avg Salary
Surgical technologists earn an average yearly salary of $74,050. Wages typically start from $46,690 and go up to $93,420.
What do surgical techs do?
During an operation, surgical technologists pass the sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They might hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
Is being a surgical tech worth it?
Those who earn the highest wages in the field make more than $71,400 per year. There are great opportunities to earn a good living as a surgical tech, to earn more with experience, and to enjoy benefits like health care in full time positions.
What does CST stand for in education?
A Child Study Team (CST) is a team of professionals designed to evaluate children for special education services. The basic CST consists of a school psychologist, a learning disabilities/teacher-consultant, school social worker, and (for preschool students) a speech-language specialist.
Where do surgical techs make the most money?
Best-Paying States for Surgical Technologists
The states and districts that pay Surgical Technologists the highest mean salary are Alaska ($67,120), Nevada ($67,000), California ($64,570), Connecticut ($62,310), and District of Columbia ($61,620).
How much do surgery Techs Make in Texas?
How much does a Surgical Technologist – Certified make in Texas? The average Surgical Technologist – Certified salary in Texas is $50,621 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $45,495 and $55,679.
How much do Xray techs make in Texas?
How much does a Radiology Tech make in Texas? The average Radiology Tech salary in Texas is $61,601 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $56,101 and $67,901.
What is the top pay for a surgical technologist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for surgical technologists in 2020 was $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour), with the top 10 percent earning more than $73,100.
Is Surgical Tech a stressful job?
A surgical technician job can be a stressful and physically demanding job for a number of reasons: Long working hours. Physical demands. May need to be on-call, or work night shifts and weekends.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
It takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months (after graduating from high school) to become a surgical technologist. Many practicing surgical techs chose to obtain an associate’s degree from a community college or technical school.
Do surgical techs do stitches?
Do surgical technicians do stitches? A surgical technician may help remove or cut surgical stitches under the supervision of a physician, but they do not apply stitches. Physicians perform surgical stitches, also called sutures.
What are the pros and cons of being a surgical technician?
Pro: Growth in Jobs is Strong. Pro: Enjoy a Good Salary as a Surgical Tech. Pro: Minimal Education Requirements. Con: The Work is Physically Demanding. Con: Hours Can Be Long and Include On-Call Time. Pro: Surgical Technologists Have Room for Advancement. Pro: Making a Difference for People Every Day.
What skills do you need to be a surgical tech?
Qualities of a Surgical Technologist
Ability to work well under stressful and emergency situations.Able to act quickly and accurately.Work well with other people.Exhibit manual dexterity.Physical stamina.Good communication skills.Empathy.