As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Surgical Assistant in the United States is $119,910. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $109,750 to $128,350, with most professionals earning between $100,500 and $136,034.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $128,350 | $10,696 | $2,468 | $62 |
| Average | $119,910 | $9,993 | $2,306 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,750 | $9,146 | $2,111 | $53 |
An entry-level Surgical Assistant with less than 1 year of experience earns about $116,574. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $117,332. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $120,540. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $123,059, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $123,689.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Surgical Assistant | $116,574 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical Assistant | $117,332 |
| Senior Level Surgical Assistant | $120,540 |
| Specialist Level Surgical Assistant | $123,059 |
| Expert Level Surgical Assistant | $123,689 |
| Entry Level | 3% |
| Mid Level | 2% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Surgical Assistant compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $231,993 in 2023 to approximately $237,504 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Surgical Assistant salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Surgical Assistant information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Surgical Assistant job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Surgical Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $119,910 | 73.3% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $9,173 | 5.6% | ||
| 401K/403B | $5,876 | 3.6% | ||
| Disability | $1,919 | 1.2% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 3.9% | ||
| Pension | $5,036 | 3.1% | ||
| Time Off | $15,219 | 9.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $163,504 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 7.1% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 19.1% |
| Masters | 66.4% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
What Am I Worth?
Surgical Assistants in the US earn between $117,230 and $145,770 annually, with a median salary of approximately $132,440. This data reflects the range of salaries based on industry standards and provides a clearer picture of the earning potential in this profession.
Becoming a surgical assistant involves educational costs ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, depending on the program. Once certified, surgical assistants can expect to earn a salary ranging from $117,230 to $145,770, with a median salary of $132,440. Certification exams typically cost around $190 to $199.
Surgical assisting programs can be associate or certificate programs that typically last 12-24 months. During this time, students study advanced surgical theory, including surgical pharmacology, advanced pathology, and anesthesia methods. Graduates can expect a salary ranging from $117,230 to $145,770, with a median salary of $132,440.
After obtaining certification, surgical assistants can advance to roles such as surgical first assistants or surgical managers, which typically offer higher salaries. The salary range for surgical assistants is between $117,230 and $145,770, with a median salary of $132,440. Advancing in this field can lead to increased earnings and responsibilities.
Surgical assistants, also known as surgical first assistants, support surgeons by performing tasks like making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Their salary ranges from $117,230 to $145,770, with a median salary of $132,440. Surgical technologists, or operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms and assist during surgeries.
While surgical assistant school isn't as demanding as becoming a registered nurse, it still requires a strong foundation in biology, anatomy, and physiology. Most programs seek candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $117,230 to $145,770, with a median salary of $132,440, making it a rewarding career choice.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
