Surgical Technologist Jobs in Omaha, NE
Surgical technologists in Omaha earn a metro median near $31.27 an hour, scrubbing cases at Midtown's Nebraska Medical Center, the Dodge Street hospitals and CHI Health Immanuel off I-680. Here are the current openings, followed by who hires, what it pays and how to train.
Current surgical technologist Openings in Omaha, NE
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Surgical Technologist Work in Omaha
Omaha's operating rooms are spread across four nonprofit systems and the VA. Nebraska Medicine runs surgery at the Nebraska Medical Center in Midtown, including the Lauritzen Outpatient Center and Fritch Surgery Center, plus Bellevue Medical Center in Sarpy County. CHI Health operates ORs at Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy on Mercy Road and at Immanuel in north Omaha, while Methodist Hospital and Children's Nebraska sit on the Dodge Street medical mile near 84th.
That spread means a mix of trauma, cardiovascular, spine, pediatric and outpatient work, and it gives Omaha something many metros lack: CHI Health Immanuel runs an on-the-job surgical tech trainee track for people who already hold a CNA, medical assistant, LPN, EMT or sterile processing credential.
Top Omaha Employers for Surgical Technologists
These Omaha health systems employ surgical technologists in their operating rooms and surgery centers:
- CHI Health - hires surgical techs and surgical tech trainees at Immanuel, Bergan Mercy and its other Omaha hospitals.
- Nebraska Medicine - staffs surgical technologists at the Nebraska Medical Center, the Lauritzen Outpatient Center, Fritch Surgery Center and Bellevue.
- Methodist Health System - lists surgical technicians among its featured careers at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women's Hospital.
- Children's Nebraska - the pediatric hospital at 8200 Dodge recruits surgical technologists for its operating rooms.
- Omaha VA Medical Center - the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa system hires surgical technicians at its Woolworth Avenue hospital.
Surgical Technologist Salaries in Omaha
- Entry level: about $24 to $29 per hour for new graduates and trainees.
- Experienced: roughly $29 to $37 per hour, with the metro median near $31.27.
- Senior: $37 to $40 per hour or more for certified techs in cardiovascular, spine or lead roles.
These are estimates drawn from 2025 federal wage data for the Omaha metro and current local postings. CHI Health has posted surgical tech pay of $25.42 to $37.82 an hour, with pay set by certification status, and $23.11 to $34.38 for its trainee role. Call pay, specialty service lines and the CST credential move pay the most.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Omaha
Nebraska does not license or register surgical technologists; the Legislature rejected a proposed registry in 2020, so there is no state credential to apply for. Employers set the bar instead: most Omaha hospitals want graduation from an accredited surgical technology program and current BLS, and they prefer the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. Nebraska Methodist College on 87th Street offers a two-year Surgical Technology associate degree, and Iowa Western Community College's Council Bluffs Campus runs a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology AAS that prepares graduates for the CST exam.
What the Job Involves
Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, set up sterile instruments and supplies, and pass instruments to the surgeon during the case. Daily work includes counting sponges and sharps, maintaining the sterile field, handling specimens, anticipating the surgeon's next need, and breaking down and turning over the room between cases.
Skills Employers Look For
- Graduation from an accredited surgical technology program
- CST certification or eligibility to sit for it
- Current BLS certification
- Strong sterile technique and instrument knowledge
- Focus and stamina for long cases
- Willingness to take call, evenings and weekends
Career Path and Advancement
Many Omaha surgical techs start in general surgery, then specialize in cardiovascular, orthopedic, spine or pediatric cases at the larger hospitals. From there the path runs to lead tech, OR educator or surgical first assistant, and some move into sterile processing leadership or OR management.
Related Careers in Omaha
If operating room work interests you, these related Omaha roles are close matches:
- Radiologic Technologist Jobs
- Respiratory Therapist Jobs
- Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs
- Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a surgical tech in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska has no license or registry for surgical technologists. Omaha employers instead require an accredited program and BLS, and most prefer the CST credential.
How much do surgical technologists make in Omaha?
The Omaha metro median is about $31.27 an hour, roughly $65,050 a year. New techs generally start near $24 to $29 an hour, and experienced certified techs can reach $37 to $40 or more.
Can I become a surgical tech in Omaha without going back to school?
Sometimes. CHI Health Immanuel has offered an on-the-job surgical tech trainee role for people who already completed a CNA, medical assistant, LPN, EMT or sterile processing program. Most other hospitals expect a surgical technology program first.
How long does surgical tech school take near Omaha?
Plan on about two years. Nebraska Methodist College's associate degree is a two-year program, and Iowa Western's Council Bluffs program is a 64-credit associate degree.
Do Omaha surgical techs take call?
Yes, at most hospitals. Hospital ORs run trauma and emergency cases around the clock, so postings often list 10-hour day shifts plus call, while outpatient surgery centers lean toward weekday hours.
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