Surgical Assistants
Surgical Assistants (SOC 29-9093) earn a median $66,800 a year ($32.11 an hour) in the United States, with 22,270 employed as of May 2025; the highest-paying state is District of Columbia.
What surgical assistants do
Surgical assistants assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons. The SOC says that, in accordance with state laws, they may help surgeons make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings. They verify the identity of the patient or operative site, cover patients with surgical drapes, and take part in positioning with stabilizing equipment or padding that protects against nerve damage or circulation problems. They maintain aseptic technique and keep the operative field unobstructed with retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigation equipment. They apply sutures, staples, clips or other materials to close skin, fascia or subcutaneous layers, and prepare and apply sterile wound dressings. Before the procedure they discuss the nature of the surgery, operative consent and exposure methods with the surgeon. The SOC excludes registered nurses and surgical technologists, who have their own codes. About a quarter of respondents report an associate degree. Position names like certified surgical first assistant and certified registered nurse first assistant show varied backgrounds.
Typical entry: O*NET respondents most often report an associate degree as the typical level of education for this occupation (25 percent).
Also called: Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).
National wage percentiles, May 2025
| Area | Basis | Percentile wage | Mean | Employment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | ||||
| United States | Hourly | $19.08 | $24.12 | $32.11 | $42.31 | $51.74 | $34.96 | 22,270 |
| Annual | $39,690 | $50,170 | $66,800 | $88,010 | $107,610 | $72,710 | ||
Employment per 1,000 jobs and the location quotient are area measures; they appear in the state and metro tables below. To see what a wage in this range leaves after tax, use FastCalc's take-home pay calculator.
Where surgical assistants earn and work most
Five highest-paying states
| Area | Basis | Percentile wage | Mean | Employment | Jobs per 1,000 | Location quotient | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | ||||||
| District of Columbia | Hourly | $28.38 | $34.23 | $59.32 | $70.09 | $70.09 | $53.33 | 90 | 0.13 | 0.89 |
| Annual | $59,030 | $71,200 | $123,390 | $145,780 | $145,780 | $110,920 | ||||
| Arizona | Hourly | $23.12 | $24.32 | $53.45 | $63.81 | $78.89 | $48.96 | ** | ** | ** |
| Annual | $48,100 | $50,590 | $111,170 | $132,730 | $164,090 | $101,840 | ||||
| Colorado | Hourly | $36.70 | $50.39 | $51.65 | $60.22 | $60.22 | $51.28 | ** | ** | ** |
| Annual | $76,330 | $104,820 | $107,440 | $125,260 | $125,260 | $106,660 | ||||
| Nevada | Hourly | $23.55 | $40.93 | $48.47 | $54.99 | $54.99 | $44.11 | 230 | 0.15 | 1.03 |
| Annual | $48,980 | $85,130 | $100,820 | $114,380 | $114,380 | $91,760 | ||||
| New Jersey | Hourly | $21.53 | $30.84 | $43.61 | $68.98 | $70.57 | $47.04 | ** | ** | ** |
| Annual | $44,770 | $64,140 | $90,710 | $143,490 | $146,780 | $97,840 | ||||
Five states with the most jobs
| Area | Basis | Percentile wage | Mean | Employment | Jobs per 1,000 | Location quotient | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | ||||||
| Texas | Hourly | $17.67 | $20.85 | $31.22 | $45.54 | $49.47 | $34.04 | 2,840 | 0.20 | 1.41 |
| Annual | $36,750 | $43,370 | $64,930 | $94,730 | $102,890 | $70,810 | ||||
| Illinois | Hourly | $30.88 | $38.56 | $38.56 | $38.56 | $40.26 | $37.86 | 2,300 | 0.38 | 2.63 |
| Annual | $64,220 | $80,210 | $80,210 | $80,210 | $83,740 | $78,760 | ||||
| Florida | Hourly | $19.76 | $24.72 | $30.07 | $43.06 | $62.51 | $36.52 | 1,260 | 0.13 | 0.89 |
| Annual | $41,100 | $51,420 | $62,550 | $89,560 | $130,030 | $75,960 | ||||
| California | Hourly | $26.97 | $28.67 | $30.07 | $34.63 | $34.63 | $32.62 | 1,210 | 0.07 | 0.47 |
| Annual | $56,100 | $59,630 | $62,540 | $72,030 | $72,030 | $67,860 | ||||
| Virginia | Hourly | $22.96 | $24.53 | $37.94 | $49.93 | $61.12 | $39.56 | 1,000 | 0.24 | 1.69 |
| Annual | $47,760 | $51,030 | $78,910 | $103,860 | $127,140 | $82,280 | ||||
Five highest-paying metropolitan areas
| Area | Basis | Percentile wage | Mean | Employment | Jobs per 1,000 | Location quotient | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | ||||||
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | Hourly | $37.59 | $54.17 | $77.75 | $80.22 | $80.22 | $68.24 | ** | ** | ** |
| Annual | $78,180 | $112,680 | $161,710 | $166,860 | $166,860 | $141,940 | ||||
| Florence, SC | Hourly | $48.95 | $48.95 | $64.13 | $64.13 | $64.13 | $55.49 | 200 | 2.28 | 15.89 |
| Annual | $101,820 | $101,820 | $133,380 | $133,380 | $133,380 | $115,420 | ||||
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | Hourly | $38.09 | $41.70 | $49.39 | $51.78 | $55.30 | $47.53 | 200 | 0.18 | 1.28 |
| Annual | $79,230 | $86,740 | $102,730 | $107,700 | $115,030 | $98,860 | ||||
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | Hourly | $32.95 | $41.48 | $49.20 | $67.57 | $80.86 | $55.59 | 100 | 0.36 | 2.48 |
| Annual | $68,530 | $86,280 | $102,330 | $140,550 | $168,200 | $115,640 | ||||
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | Hourly | $27.89 | $40.93 | $48.47 | $54.99 | $54.99 | $46.34 | 200 | 0.18 | 1.25 |
| Annual | $58,010 | $85,130 | $100,820 | $114,380 | $114,380 | $96,400 | ||||
Five metropolitan areas with the most jobs
| Area | Basis | Percentile wage | Mean | Employment | Jobs per 1,000 | Location quotient | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | ||||||
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | Hourly | $30.88 | $38.56 | $38.56 | $38.56 | $38.56 | $37.69 | 2,090 | 0.46 | 3.23 |
| Annual | $64,220 | $80,210 | $80,210 | $80,210 | $80,210 | $78,390 | ||||
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | Hourly | $23.86 | $27.95 | $29.05 | $52.77 | $64.14 | $39.84 | 680 | 0.22 | 1.50 |
| Annual | $49,620 | $58,130 | $60,410 | $109,760 | $133,400 | $82,880 | ||||
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Hourly | $20.98 | $26.88 | $41.87 | $49.01 | $62.19 | $41.33 | 490 | 0.12 | 0.85 |
| Annual | $43,630 | $55,910 | $87,080 | $101,950 | $129,350 | $85,960 | ||||
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | Hourly | $19.36 | $28.06 | $28.06 | $29.95 | $52.65 | $31.87 | 430 | 0.16 | 1.11 |
| Annual | $40,260 | $58,370 | $58,370 | $62,300 | $109,510 | $66,280 | ||||
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | Hourly | $23.49 | $30.54 | $39.28 | $47.67 | $49.79 | $38.32 | 420 | 0.52 | 3.59 |
| Annual | $48,860 | $63,530 | $81,690 | $99,150 | $103,550 | $79,710 | ||||
Top industries employing surgical assistants
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals employ 40.2% of surgical assistants nationally (8,950 jobs) at a median $77,260 a year ($37.14 an hour), followed by Offices of Dentists (27.6%) and Offices of Physicians (16.7%).
| Industry | Employment | Share of occupation | Median annual | Median hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals NAICS 622100 | 8,950 | 40.2% | $77,260 | $37.14 |
| Offices of Dentists NAICS 621200 | 6,150 | 27.6% | $56,100 | $26.97 |
| Offices of Physicians NAICS 621100 | 3,730 | 16.7% | $80,210 | $38.56 |
| Outpatient Care Centers NAICS 621400 | 980 | 4.4% | $70,480 | $33.89 |
| Employment Services NAICS 561300 | 340 | 1.5% | $93,070 | $44.74 |
Share is the industry's employment over the occupation's national employment (22,270). Industries whose employment BLS withheld are not ranked.
Published medians, May 2021 to May 2025
BLS published a median annual wage of $48,320 for surgical assistants in May 2021 and $66,800 in May 2025, with employment of 17,250 and 22,270.
| Release | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | $48,320 | $23.23 | 17,250 |
| May 2022 | $57,290 | $27.54 | 18,650 |
| May 2023 | $59,160 | $28.44 | 18,780 |
| May 2024 | $60,290 | $28.99 | 22,860 |
| May 2025 | $66,800 | $32.11 | 22,270 |
BLS does not design OEWS as a time series: each release pools three years of samples, and occupational classifications, area definitions and estimation methods change between releases, so a difference between two releases is not a measure of change over time. The figures are shown as published, side by side, and nothing is computed from them. See how often OEWS is updated.
Every state, by median wage
44 states and DC publish a row for this occupation. A linked state has its own page with the within-state metro table and comparison; the others appear here only.
| Rank | State | Median hourly | Median annual | 10th pct (annual) | 90th pct (annual) | Employment | Jobs per 1,000 | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia profile | $59.32 | $123,390 | $59,030 | $145,780 | 90 | 0.13 | 0.89 |
| 2 | Arizona profile | $53.45 | $111,170 | $48,100 | $164,090 | ** | ** | ** |
| 3 | Colorado profile | $51.65 | $107,440 | $76,330 | $125,260 | ** | ** | ** |
| 4 | Nevada profile | $48.47 | $100,820 | $48,980 | $114,380 | 230 | 0.15 | 1.03 |
| 5 | New Jersey profile | $43.61 | $90,710 | $44,770 | $146,780 | ** | ** | ** |
| 6 | South Carolina profile | $41.15 | $85,580 | $40,510 | $133,380 | 480 | 0.21 | 1.45 |
| 7 | Kentucky profile | $40.67 | $84,600 | $47,470 | $154,100 | 480 | 0.24 | 1.69 |
| 8 | Tennessee profile | $39.25 | $81,640 | $59,370 | $102,350 | 750 | 0.23 | 1.60 |
| 9 | Oregon profile | $38.68 | $80,450 | $61,960 | $127,010 | 220 | 0.11 | 0.77 |
| 10 | Illinois profile | $38.56 | $80,210 | $64,220 | $83,740 | 2,300 | 0.38 | 2.63 |
| 11 | Virginia profile | $37.94 | $78,910 | $47,760 | $127,140 | 1,000 | 0.24 | 1.69 |
| 12 | Wisconsin profile | $37.51 | $78,030 | $47,460 | $99,950 | 810 | 0.28 | 1.93 |
| 13 | New Hampshire profile | $37.34 | $77,670 | $50,170 | $165,110 | 130 | 0.20 | 1.37 |
| 14 | Ohio profile | $37.24 | $77,450 | $39,380 | $106,150 | 970 | 0.17 | 1.21 |
| 15 | Minnesota profile | $36.52 | $75,950 | $62,110 | $110,300 | 360 | 0.12 | 0.86 |
| 16 | Connecticut profile | $32.49 | $67,580 | $40,810 | $107,690 | 320 | 0.19 | 1.32 |
| 17 | Montana profile | $32.39 | $67,370 | $54,800 | $99,060 | 100 | 0.19 | 1.31 |
| 18 | Iowa profile | $31.75 | $66,030 | $49,330 | $102,420 | 30 | 0.02 | 0.15 |
| 19 | Washington profile | $31.46 | $65,440 | $41,740 | $102,600 | 100 | 0.03 | 0.20 |
| 20 | Texas profile | $31.22 | $64,930 | $36,750 | $102,890 | 2,840 | 0.20 | 1.41 |
| 21 | Florida profile | $30.07 | $62,550 | $41,100 | $130,030 | 1,260 | 0.13 | 0.89 |
| 22 | California profile | $30.07 | $62,540 | $56,100 | $72,030 | 1,210 | 0.07 | 0.47 |
| 23 | New Mexico profile | $29.81 | $62,010 | $45,380 | $82,730 | 130 | 0.15 | 1.06 |
| 24 | Rhode Island profile | $29.76 | $61,900 | $61,900 | $97,180 | ** | ** | ** |
| 25 | Alaska profile | $29.43 | $61,210 | $43,140 | $78,000 | 60 | 0.17 | 1.19 |
| 26 | Pennsylvania profile | $29.11 | $60,550 | $43,080 | $107,750 | 240 | 0.04 | 0.28 |
| 27 | New York profile | $28.88 | $60,070 | $47,900 | $94,230 | 470 | 0.05 | 0.34 |
| 28 | North Carolina profile | $28.81 | $59,920 | $39,700 | $74,900 | 670 | 0.14 | 0.95 |
| 29 | Maryland profile | $27.95 | $58,130 | $49,310 | $112,540 | 670 | 0.24 | 1.69 |
| 30 | Kansas profile | $27.80 | $57,810 | $35,930 | $78,760 | 180 | 0.13 | 0.88 |
| 31 | Indiana profile | $27.22 | $56,620 | $39,320 | $97,380 | 690 | 0.22 | 1.51 |
| 32 | Idaho profile | $27.14 | $56,460 | $43,000 | $63,990 | ** | ** | ** |
| 33 | Massachusetts profile | $27.13 | $56,430 | $36,340 | $62,060 | ** | ** | ** |
| 34 | Michigan profile | $27.13 | $56,430 | $37,460 | $89,130 | 560 | 0.13 | 0.89 |
| 35 | Hawaii profile | $26.06 | $54,190 | $52,160 | $122,300 | 70 | 0.12 | 0.83 |
| 36 | Nebraska profile | $25.57 | $53,190 | $40,460 | $82,780 | 80 | 0.08 | 0.56 |
| 37 | West Virginia profile | $24.46 | $50,870 | $38,750 | $101,860 | 280 | 0.39 | 2.74 |
| 38 | Mississippi profile | $24.43 | $50,810 | $39,910 | $69,160 | 120 | 0.10 | 0.70 |
| 39 | Arkansas profile | $23.85 | $49,600 | $35,310 | $110,160 | 80 | 0.06 | 0.43 |
| 40 | Georgia profile | $23.81 | $49,520 | $37,820 | $109,530 | 840 | 0.17 | 1.21 |
| 41 | Missouri profile | $23.75 | $49,400 | $37,540 | $93,060 | 510 | 0.18 | 1.22 |
| 42 | Utah profile | $21.63 | $44,990 | $36,320 | $62,570 | 290 | 0.17 | 1.16 |
| 43 | Alabama profile | $20.05 | $41,710 | $31,280 | $47,460 | 470 | 0.22 | 1.55 |
| 44 | Oklahoma profile | $19.31 | $40,160 | $37,250 | $84,200 | 220 | 0.13 | 0.90 |
Related occupations
Occupations in the same SOC broad group (29-9090), with their national median annual wage.
Part of Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations. Compare any area in the wage explorer.
Source and notes
Data: BLS OEWS May 2025, released 2026-05-15. Cross-industry estimates, all ownerships. BLS page: OEWS 29-9093 Surgical Assistants.
**- Employment estimate not available.
- Annual wages assume 2,080 hours a year at the hourly rate; occupations BLS publishes on one basis only show an en dash (–) on the other.
- Employment is rounded to the nearest 10 by BLS. Where BLS withholds a cell, nothing is estimated in its place.
- Top industries: nat4d_M2025_dl.xlsx in oesm25in4.zip (BLS OEWS May 2025, national, 4-digit NAICS, cross-ownership). Employment is the industry's rounded total for this occupation; industries whose employment BLS withheld (**) are not ranked.
- Published medians: national_M2021_dl.xlsx to national_M2024_dl.xlsx in oesm21nat.zip to oesm24nat.zip (BLS OEWS May 2021 to May 2024, national, cross-industry, all ownerships) and the May 2025 spine. Each release is shown as published; nothing is computed between them.
Sources
- BLS Standard Occupational Classification 2018, definition of 29-9093, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- O*NET 30.1 Database, 29-9093.00, National Center for O*NET Development, USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0).
- OEWS May 2025 national industry-specific estimates, 4-digit NAICS (oesm25in4.zip), US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- OEWS May 2021 national estimates (oesm21nat.zip), US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- OEWS May 2022 national estimates (oesm22nat.zip), US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- OEWS May 2023 national estimates (oesm23nat.zip), US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- OEWS May 2024 national estimates (oesm24nat.zip), US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
- OEWS May 2025 national estimates (oesm25nat.zip), the site's data spine, US Bureau of Labor Statistics (public domain).
Includes information from O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Description written 2026-10-17 in our own words from the sources above.