Best Surgical Tech Programs in Clearwater, Florida (2026)

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: Surgical technologists in Florida earn a median of $62,440 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists accredited surgical technologist schools near Clearwater, Florida with local wage data and median graduate earnings for each school.

Surgical technologist training in Clearwater, Florida prepares students for entry-level work across the wider Florida labor market. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $62,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Clearwater Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$62,440BLS OEWS, May 2025
Florida pay range (10th to 90th percentile)$41,270 to $85,620BLS OEWS, May 2025
Tampa, FL metro median wage$62,910BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024 to 2034)+4.5% growth, about 7,000 openings per yearBLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
State employment9,120 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
Pinellas County establishments80BLS QCEW, 2024
Pinellas County industry employment18,600BLS QCEW, 2024
Pinellas County unemployment rate3.3%BLS LAUS, 2024
Florida location quotient1.22BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

Explore the Surgical technologist Career

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to Clearwater. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Pinellas County and Florida figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.

Surgical Tech Training near Clearwater

#3

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL 16.4 miles away
Tuition $2,682 - $10,634
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 37.9%
  • Programs offered: 56
  • Annual completions: 2614
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $54,088 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, FL 18.9 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 33.7% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 98
  • Annual completions: 2835
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $49,784 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Surgical Tech Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $64,650 $31.08 per hour
Job Outlook 4.5% 5,200 jobs (2024–2034)
7,000 openings/yr
Data Year: 2025 SOC: 29-2055 Source: BLS OEWS

Certification & Clinicals in Florida

  1. Complete an accredited surgical technology certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical rotations and master sterile technique and instrumentation.
  3. Prepare for credentials like the NBSTSA CST or NCCT TS-C, based on employer preference.

Tips for Choosing a Surgical Tech Program

  • Look for accreditation recognized by CAAHEP or ABHES when applicable.
  • Ask about lab time on instrument sets and simulation equipment.
  • Compare evening, weekend, and accelerated schedules that fit your life.
  • Review clinical placement support and certification exam pass rates. Individual outcomes may vary.

Surgical-Tech Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $64,650 $31.08/hr
Average Salary $68,710 $33.03/hr

Salary Range

$45,940 10th pctl
$64,650 Median
$96,940 90th pctl
10th Percentile $45,940 $22.09/hr
25th Percentile $54,690 $26.29/hr
75th Percentile $79,750 $38.34/hr
90th Percentile $96,940 $46.61/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed117,460
Growth (2024-2034)4.5%
Annual Openings7,000
Jobs per 1,0000.8

Surgical Technologists (29-2055) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.