The state of Missouri is home to numerous medical facilities, hospitals, and surgical centers that employ skilled surgical technologists. As a crucial member of the surgical team, surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, play a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of surgical procedures. If you're considering a career in surgical technology or are already working in the field, you may be curious about the top surgical tech salaries in Missouri. In this article, we'll explore the average salaries for surgical technologists in Missouri, the factors that influence these salaries, and provide insights into the job market.
Missouri's Surgical Tech Salaries: An Overview
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for surgical technologists in Missouri was $48,390 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and education.
Top-Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists in Missouri
While salaries can vary across the state, some cities in Missouri tend to offer higher salaries for surgical technologists. Here are the top-paying cities for surgical technologists in Missouri:
- Kansas City, MO: $53,110 per year
- St. Louis, MO: $51,490 per year
- Springfield, MO: $48,910 per year
- Columbia, MO: $46,910 per year
- Independence, MO: $45,910 per year
Factors Influencing Surgical Tech Salaries in Missouri
Several factors can influence surgical tech salaries in Missouri, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary depending on the location, with cities like Kansas City and St. Louis tend to offer higher salaries.
- Employer: Salaries can differ depending on the employer, with hospitals and surgical centers tend to offer higher salaries than clinics and private practices.
- Level of experience: More experienced surgical technologists tend to earn higher salaries, with a median salary increase of 10% to 15% for every 5 years of experience.
- Education: Surgical technologists with a degree or certification tend to earn higher salaries than those without.
- Certification: Certified surgical technologists (CSTs) tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified surgical technologists.
Certification and Education for Surgical Technologists
To become a surgical technologist, you typically need to complete a post-secondary education program in surgical technology and obtain certification. Here are some education and certification options for surgical technologists:
- Associate's degree: Many community colleges and universities offer associate's degree programs in surgical technology.
- Certificate programs: Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in surgical technology.
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers certification for surgical technologists.
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST): The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) offers certification for central service technicians.
Job Market for Surgical Technologists in Missouri
The job market for surgical technologists in Missouri is expected to grow, with the BLS predicting a 3% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for surgical procedures and the need for skilled surgical technologists to assist surgeons and other medical professionals.
Top Employers for Surgical Technologists in Missouri
Here are some of the top employers for surgical technologists in Missouri:
- Hospitals: Hospitals are one of the largest employers of surgical technologists in Missouri, with many hospitals in Kansas City and St. Louis offering competitive salaries and benefits.
- Surgical centers: Surgical centers, also known as ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), are another major employer of surgical technologists in Missouri.
- Clinics: Clinics, including private practices and community clinics, also employ surgical technologists in Missouri.
- Medical groups: Medical groups, including physician-owned groups and hospital-owned groups, also employ surgical technologists in Missouri.
Conclusion
Surgical technologists play a vital role in the surgical team, and Missouri offers competitive salaries and a growing job market for these professionals. By understanding the factors that influence salaries and the top-paying cities and employers, surgical technologists can make informed decisions about their careers. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced surgical technologist, Missouri offers many opportunities for growth and advancement.
What is the average salary for surgical technologists in Missouri?
+The average salary for surgical technologists in Missouri is $48,390 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the top-paying cities for surgical technologists in Missouri?
+The top-paying cities for surgical technologists in Missouri are Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence.
What are the top employers for surgical technologists in Missouri?
+The top employers for surgical technologists in Missouri are hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, and medical groups.