How much does a CST make?
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CST in the United States is $52,501. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $48,801 to $59,901, with most professionals earning between $45,432 and $66,638.
CST Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $59,901 | $4,992 | $1,152 | $29 |
| Average | $52,501 | $4,375 | $1,010 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,801 | $4,067 | $938 | $23 |
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How Does Experience Level Affect a CST's Salary?
An entry-level CST with less than 1 year of experience earns about $51,938. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $52,822. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $55,914. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $56,246, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $56,467.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CST | $51,938 |
| Intermediate Level CST | $52,822 |
| Senior Level CST | $55,914 |
| Specialist Level CST | $56,246 |
| Expert Level CST | $56,467 |
$51,938
0 yr
$52,822
< 2 yrs
$55,914
2-4 yrs
$56,246
5-8 yrs
$56,467
> 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 7% |
| Top Level | 7% |
| Experienced | 8% |
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
How much does salary of CST vary from state to state?
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
For example, as of April 01, 2025:
- In California, the average yearly salary for a CST is $57,901.
- In Massachusetts, the average annual salary is $57,201.
- In New Jersey, a CST earns $56,901 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How much does salary of CST vary from city to city?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
For example, as of April 01, 2025:
- In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a CST is $65,601.
- In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $60,901.
- In Boston, MA, a CST earns $58,601 per year.
What is the salary trend of CST?
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CST compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $57,255 in 2023 to approximately $52,224 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CST salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Average Annual Salary of CST Over Time
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$57,255
2023
$52,224
2024
$49,421
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$57,255
2024
$52,224
2025
$49,421
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
CST Salary by Year
Job Openings of CST
Salary.com job board provides millions of CST information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CST job openings or enter a new job title here.
Common Company Salaries for CST
Here are companies hiring for CST and their salaries, click below for more details.
Most Common Benefits for CST
Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
CST Bonus and Incentive Rates
Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic
differential
Base Salary
69.8%
Bonuses
0.0%
Social Security
5.3%
401k/403b
3.4%
Disability
1.1%
Healthcare
8.5%
Pension
2.9%
Time Off
8.9%
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $52,501 | 69.8% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,016 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,573 | 3.4% | ||
| Disability | $840 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 8.5% | ||
| Pension | $2,205 | 2.9% | ||
| Time Off | $6,664 | 8.9% | ||
| Total Compensation | $75,169 | 100% | ||
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors
used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits
indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
What are the salaries of a CST with different levels of education?
Typical Education for CST
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 47.1% |
| Associates | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
view as graph
Typical Education for CST
No Diploma
0.5%
High School
47.1%
Associates
43.1%
Bachelors
7.7%
Masters
0.7%
Doctorate
1.0%
CST Salaries by Degree Level
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
What Am I Worth?
FAQ about CST
1. Is surgical tech a stressful job?
Intense Work Environment: Brace yourself for an intense work environment! The operating room can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during critical surgeries. Staying focused and level-headed in these situations is essential for the well-being of the patient. With salaries ranging from $50,101 to $62,201, the role demands dedication and resilience.
2. How long is CST training?
The Comprehensive Security Training (CST) Course is a 104-hour program spanning 12 days. It aims to equip entry-level candidates with realistic and practical skills in the security field. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $50,101 to $62,201, with a median salary of $55,901, reflecting the value of the training in the job market.
3. How much do you get paid for CST?
As of January 26, 2025, the salary for a CST ranges from a minimum of $50,101 to a maximum of $62,201, with a mid-salary of $55,901. This translates to an average weekly pay of approximately $1,923, with the majority of CST wages falling between $1,250 and $1,500 weekly across the United States.
4. Does a surgical tech make more than an RN?
Surgical techs generally earn between $50,101 and $62,201, with a median salary of $55,901. In contrast, registered nurses (RNs) typically earn more, with a median salary of around $75,330. While surgical techs require an associate's degree and certification, RNs need a bachelor's degree and licensure, reflecting the broader scope of their responsibilities.
5. How much does a CST make in the US?
The estimated total pay for a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) in the US ranges from $50,101 to $62,201 per year, with a mid-salary of $55,901. These figures reflect the salary data based on various sources and represent the typical earnings for this profession.
6. How much money does CST make?
The salary for a CST in Canada ranges from a minimum of $50,101 to a maximum of $62,201, with a mid-range salary of $55,901. This indicates that entry-level positions may start around the minimum, while experienced workers can earn closer to the maximum.
About Our Data
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Is this useful?
The average salary for a CST is $52,501 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
