Traveling and working as a surgical technologist can be a lucrative and exciting career path. Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of surgical procedures. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, hospitals and medical facilities are willing to pay top dollar for skilled surgical technologists who can travel to different locations. In this article, we will explore seven high-paying travel surgical tech jobs that you may consider.
The Benefits of Travel Surgical Tech Jobs
Before we dive into the high-paying job opportunities, let's discuss the benefits of working as a travel surgical technologist. Some of the advantages include:
- Higher pay rates: Travel surgical technologists can earn significantly higher salaries compared to permanent staff.
- Travel opportunities: You get to travel to different locations, experience new cultures, and explore new places.
- Professional growth: Working in different hospitals and medical facilities can broaden your skills and knowledge, making you a more versatile and competitive professional.
- Flexibility: Travel assignments can be tailored to fit your needs, whether you prefer short-term or long-term contracts.
1. Orthopedic Surgical Technologist
Orthopedic surgical technologists specialize in surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system. They prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, and assist surgeons during procedures. As an orthopedic surgical technologist, you can earn an average salary of $34.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $50 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in orthopedic surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures and equipment
2. Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist
Cardiovascular surgical technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during cardiovascular procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. Cardiovascular surgical technologists can earn an average salary of $36.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $60 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in cardiovascular surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of cardiovascular surgical procedures and equipment
3. Neurosurgical Technologist
Neurosurgical technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during neurological procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. Neurosurgical technologists can earn an average salary of $38.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $65 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in neurosurgical technology
- Strong knowledge of neurosurgical procedures and equipment
4. Urology Surgical Technologist
Urology surgical technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during urological procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. Urology surgical technologists can earn an average salary of $35.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $55 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in urology surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of urology surgical procedures and equipment
5. General Surgery Technologist
General surgery technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during general surgical procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. General surgery technologists can earn an average salary of $33.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $50 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in general surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of general surgical procedures and equipment
6. Pediatric Surgical Technologist
Pediatric surgical technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during pediatric surgical procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. Pediatric surgical technologists can earn an average salary of $36.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $60 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in pediatric surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of pediatric surgical procedures and equipment
7. Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Technologist
Plastics and reconstructive surgery technologists work in operating rooms assisting surgeons during plastics and reconstructive surgical procedures. They prepare patients, equipment, and the operating room, and maintain asepsis during procedures. Plastics and reconstructive surgery technologists can earn an average salary of $38.50 per hour, with some assignments paying up to $65 per hour.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification
- Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in plastics and reconstructive surgical technology
- Strong knowledge of plastics and reconstructive surgical procedures and equipment
Gallery of Surgical Technologist Jobs
FAQs
What is the average salary for a travel surgical technologist?
+The average salary for a travel surgical technologist can range from $30 to $60 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and specialty.
What are the qualifications and skills required for a travel surgical technologist?
+Travel surgical technologists typically require a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist (TS-C) certification, an Associate's degree in surgical technology or related field, and 1-2 years of experience in surgical technology.
How do I become a travel surgical technologist?
+To become a travel surgical technologist, you typically need to meet the qualifications and skills required for the position, and then apply to travel surgical technologist job openings through staffing agencies or online job boards.
In conclusion, working as a travel surgical technologist can be a lucrative and exciting career path. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, hospitals and medical facilities are willing to pay top dollar for skilled surgical technologists who can travel to different locations. By exploring the high-paying job opportunities listed above, you can take the first step towards a successful and fulfilling career as a travel surgical technologist.