Surgery Assistant Salary in 2025

Surgery assistants—also known as surgical first assistants—play a critical role in operating rooms by supporting surgeons before, during, and after procedures. With the healthcare industry continually evolving, 2025 brings updated salary trends and employment insights for this high-demand role.

💼 Average Surgery Assistant Salary in 2025

As of 2025, the average annual salary for a surgery assistant in the United States ranges from $85,000 to $120,000, depending on several key factors.

Median salary: $103,000/year
Hourly rate: $42–$58/hour
Top earners (90th percentile): $130,000+
Entry-level salary (bottom 10%): $70,000–$80,000

📊 Factors That Influence Surgery Assistant Salary

1. Years of Experience

Experience significantly affects earnings:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary (2025)
Entry-level (0–2 years)	$70,000 – $85,000
Mid-level (3–7 years)	$90,000 – $105,000
Senior (8+ years)	$110,000 – $130,000+

2. Location

Salaries vary widely by state and metro area:

Highest-paying states: California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington
Lower-paying states: Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas

3. Work Setting

Hospitals: Typically offer competitive pay with strong benefits
Outpatient surgery centers: Slightly lower pay, but often less demanding schedules
Specialized clinics: Higher salaries for assistants working in orthopedics, neurosurgery, or cardiac surgery

4. Certifications

Holding advanced credentials can lead to better compensation:

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) certification
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

5. Education

Surgery assistants often have one of the following backgrounds:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in surgical technology
Completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program

Those with a bachelor’s degree or nursing background (RNFA) can expect higher starting salaries.

📈 Job Market Trends and Outlook

🔹 Job Growth

The demand for surgery assistants continues to rise:

Expected growth: 8–10% from 2025–2030
Drivers: Aging population, increase in elective surgeries, and physician shortages

🔹 Opportunities in Specialties

Surgical assistants trained in robotic-assisted surgery, orthopedics, or cardiovascular procedures are seeing greater job opportunities and higher wages.

🎓 Certifications and Education That Impact Salary

Earning additional credentials often leads to both higher income and better job security. Recommended certifications:

CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant)
SA-C (Surgical Assistant-Certified)
RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) for RNs transitioning to surgical assisting roles

✅ Benefits of a Career as a Surgery Assistant

Competitive salary with overtime and shift differentials
High demand in diverse healthcare settings
Flexible hours in private practices or outpatient centers
Job satisfaction from hands-on, impactful work
Opportunities for advancement into surgical tech instructor or administrative roles

🧭 Career Path and Advancement

Surgery assistants can grow into roles such as:

Lead Surgical Assistant / Senior Lead Navigator (earning up to $140K+)
Surgical Services Supervisor or Clinical Educator
Medical device sales or training specialist

🔚 Conclusion

Surgery assistants in 2025 are well-compensated, in high demand, and essential to surgical teams across the healthcare landscape. With the right certifications, education, and experience, professionals in this field can build a rewarding and lucrative career.