Surgical Technologist Career Outlook

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. The aging of the large number of baby boomers also is expected to increase the need for surgical technologists because older people usually require more operations, including joint replacements and heart-related procedures.

Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, reducing costs by employing technologists, instead of higher paid registered nurses, in operating rooms.

Job prospects should be best for surgical technologists who have completed an accredited education program and who maintain their professional certification.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition