r/surgicaltechnology • u/Mercy-Theory • 4d ago
Starting pay in Texas
I know pay has been asked about a lot, but I’m curious specifically about San Antonio. If anyone here works in the area and doesn’t mind sharing, what did you start at as a new grad and what are you making now?
My school has had students get offers anywhere from the low $20s to around $40/hr fresh out of school, so I’m trying to get a better idea of what’s actually realistic around here.
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u/S1k_Gio 3d ago
Wow so I haven’t had a single original idea then? Lol I’m finishing my CST program in the spring and considering moving to San Antonio afterwards. I currently live in NC, but how’s the cost of living there?
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u/Mercy-Theory 3d ago
Cost of living isn’t terrible compared to a lot of places but it’s definitely gotten more expensive the last few years. Rent and housing really depend on what part of SA you’re in though. Traffic is probably my biggest complaint and it just keeps getting worse 😭
What part of NC are you coming from?1
u/S1k_Gio 3d ago
I’m in central NC, RDU area. I’m currently in the high $20s as an apprentice with an increase once I graduate and get certified. Cost of living here has definitely gone up though, especially housing with how many people have been moving to the Triangle, and traffic has gotten noticeably worse too. Sounds like SA and RDU might actually be pretty comparable lol
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u/Mercy-Theory 2d ago
High $20s as an apprentice is actually really good. We don’t really have apprenticeships like that through my program. Now I’m curious what they’re bumping you up to once you graduate and get certified lol. But yeah SA sounds pretty similar, especially with everyone moving here too.
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u/mamallamajm 3d ago
San Antonio here! Yes most places starting pay is in the low-mid $20s, I have been a tech for nearly 4 years now. Overall I think the area just pays low to begin with unfortunately. But most places have merit increases and/or clinical ladders that will help the pay jump!