What is the average salary for a surgical assistant?
Mason Cooper
Published Apr 02, 2026
Similarly one may ask, is surgical assistant a good career?
One of the best benefits of getting into a career in nearly any area of healthcare is that job growth is strong. The growth in surgical technology jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is 9 percent, faster than average job growth and amounting to thousands of new positions in the ten years to 2028.
Also Know, how do surgical assistants get paid? The average annual surgical assistant salary is $101,480 as of May 2016. One reason for the wide variation is that surgical assistants are paid at the level of their primary profession, such as registered nurse or physician assistant. The BLS reports that RNs earned an average of $68,450 in 2016.
Thereof, how much do surgical assistants make an hour?
The wide range in Surgical Assistant salaries can be attributed to a number of factors. Some of these factors include: Experience – a 2005 National Surgical Assistant Association survey found that entry-level assistants made roughly $25/hour, compared to $45/hour for more experienced CSAs.
How long does it take to become surgical assistant?
It may take at least five or six years to complete training and education to become a surgeon assistant. An associate degree program will take about two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree program can take three to four years to complete.
Related Question Answers
Is it hard to become a surgical assistant?
Surgical Assistants must earn an Associate's Degree, but many of them earn a Bachelor's Degree. After school, they need three years of operating room work experience.Table of contents.
| Degree | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Degree field | Surgical Technology |
| Duration to become one | 8 to 10 years |
| Difficulty to become one | Medium |
Do surgical techs do stitches?
Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.How many hours a week do surgical assistants work?
40 hourAre surgical assistants in demand?
The overall job outlook for Surgical Assistant careers has been positive since 2004. Vacancies for this career have increased by 12.13 percent nationwide in that time, with an average growth of 2.02 percent per year. Demand for Surgical Assistants is expected to go up, with an expected 22,440 new jobs filled by 2018.What is the difference between a surgical tech and surgical assistant?
The surgical assistant does more hands-on work with the patient during surgery, while the technologist is more involved with preparing materials and equipment. Typical duties of a surgical technologist include: Preparing operating rooms for surgery. Passing instruments to the surgeon during an operation.How much does a scrub tech make an hour?
What is the average salary for a surgical technologist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for surgical technologists in 2020 was $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour), with the top 10 percent earning more than $73,100.Is a surgical assistant a nurse?
An aspiring surgical assistant needs to pursue higher education through either a one-year surgical assisting certificate program or a two-year associate degree in a health field. They can also be nurses or physician assistants.How many days a week do surgical techs work?
Surgical Tech LifestyleSome hospitals staff three shifts 24/7 while others work on a "call" basis after the main shift is finished. Surgical Tech shifts vary between 8 and 12 hours. A normal work week for the operating room and most surgical techs, not including "call" or shift rotation, is Monday - Friday.
How much does each type of surgeon make?
People with Jobs as Surgeons Median Salary by Job| Job | Average |
|---|---|
| General Surgeon | $292,310 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $382,568 |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $389,006 |
| Physician / Doctor, Plastic Surgeon | $275,717 |
What states recognize surgical first assistants?
Here are the best states for Surgical Assistants in 2020:- Iowa. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- Illinois. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- Texas. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- New Jersey. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- Arkansas. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- New Mexico. Total Surgical Assistant Jobs:
- Tennessee.
- Kansas.
What are the duties of a surgical assistant?
A surgical assistant's responsibilities include setting up a patient's chart; sterilizing, assembling, and monitoring the surgical tools needed during surgery; and ensuring the operation room is clean and ready for use.What is an RN first assistant?
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) functioning as a first assistant. The RNFA role is recognized within the scope of nursing practice by the nurse practice acts in all 50 states.Do surgical nurses make more money?
Topping the list is New York, with New Hampshire and California close behind in second and third. California beats the national average by 6.7%, and New York furthers that trend with another $8,312 (11.2%) above the $74,004.What is the job outlook for surgical assistant?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgical technologists, which include assistants, were expected to have an excellent job outlook, with a job growth rate of 9% between 2018 and 2028 ().How do I become a Crnfa?
For example, to qualify for the CCI exam to become a CRNFA you must do every one of the following:- Have a valid RN license in the state where you practice.
- Complete a CCI accepted RNFA Program.
- Earn the CNOR title (Certified Nurse Operating Room)
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree.
- Log 2,000 hours as an RNFA.
