Surgical Technologists

Employment for surgical technology is projected to grow faster than the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Population growth, increasing life spans, and improvement in medical and surgical procedures have all contributed to a growing demand for surgical services and hence for surgical technologists. As more people undergo surgery, there will continue to be a need for surgical technologists. Also, as surgical methods become increasingly complex, more surgical technologists will likely be needed. Surgical technologists who are certified will have the best employment opportunities.

An increasing number of surgical procedures are being performed in ambulatory surgical centers, requiring the skills of surgical technologists. "These facilities are seeing an increase in the number of surgeries because of advances in medical technology and changes in insurers’ policies," according to the DOL. As a result, employment opportunities for technologists in these non-hospital settings should grow faster than for those who work in hospitals.