Surgical Tech ... Starting pay?

Question

I start classes this month for the Surgical Tech program with UAMS. I've heard the average pay for Surgical Techs in Arkansas is pretty good but I have NO idea what the STARTING range is... Anybody know?

Answer 1

General career info:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'surgical technologists' or such.  I'm not sure how the job market is for them though.

Answer 2

Surgical Technician Salary Range

In 2002, the lowest 10 percent of surgical technicians earned less than $21,020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $43,470. The current expected median surgical tech salary is $35,122, reports Salary.com. The Association of Surgical Technologists reports that its members' average hourly pay is $13 to $18, nationally.

According to the BLS, median surgical tech salaries paid by offices of physicians were higher ($33,790) than those paid by general medical and surgical hospitals ($30,590) in 2002.

Starting Surgical Technician Salaries

According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), starting hourly pay for surgical technicians can range from $12.72 to $18 per hour, nationally.