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Traveling surgical technicians, also known as traveling surgical technologists, are healthcare professionals who specialize in assisting during surgical procedures. They travel to different healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, to provide their services. One of the most important questions that potential traveling surgical techs ask is how much they can expect to make. In this article, we will explore the salary range for traveling surgical technicians and factors that can affect their pay.
Salary Range for Traveling Surgical Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for surgical technologists, including traveling surgical techs, was $47,300 as of May 2020. The top 10 percent of surgical techs earned more than $68,300, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $32,870. The BLS also reports that the highest-paying industries for surgical technologists were outpatient care centers, specialty hospitals, and employment services.
It’s important to note that these figures may vary depending on location, experience, and the employer. Traveling surgical techs may earn more or less than the median annual salary depending on these factors.
Factors That Affect Salary
Location is one of the most significant factors that can affect a traveling surgical tech’s salary. Generally, metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas. For example, according to the BLS, surgical technologists who worked in the metropolitan areas of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, California, had the highest average salaries as of May 2020.
Experience is another factor that can affect salary. As with most professions, the more experience a traveling surgical tech has, the higher their earning potential. Entry-level positions may offer lower salaries than positions that require several years of experience.
The employer can also impact a traveling surgical tech’s salary. Some healthcare facilities may offer higher salaries or better benefits packages than others. Traveling surgical techs who work for employment services, which provide temporary staffing to healthcare facilities, may earn more than those who work directly for one facility.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What qualifications do I need to become a traveling surgical tech? | Traveling surgical techs typically need an associate’s degree in surgical technology and certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). |
| Do traveling surgical techs receive benefits? | Benefits packages may vary depending on the employer. Traveling surgical techs who work for employment services may receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. |
| How long does it take to become a traveling surgical tech? | It typically takes two years to earn an associate’s degree in surgical technology. Certification through the NBSTSA may require additional study and passing an exam. |
| Can traveling surgical techs choose where they work? | Traveling surgical techs typically work with an employment service that assigns them to different healthcare facilities. However, they may be able to request certain locations. |
Conclusion
Overall, traveling surgical techs can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $47,300, according to the BLS. However, this figure can vary depending on location, experience, and the employer. Factors such as metropolitan versus rural areas, the number of years of experience, and the employer can all impact a traveling surgical tech’s salary. If you’re considering a career as a traveling surgical tech, it’s important to research the salary range in your preferred location and to understand the factors that can affect your earning potential.