First Assist Surgery Salary in 2025

As the healthcare industry continues to grow rapidly, surgical first assistants remain a vital component of the operating room team. In 2025, the First Assist Surgery salary reflects this demand, influenced by experience, education, location, and certifications. Whether you’re considering a career as a First Assist or want to maximize your earnings in this field, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is a Surgical First Assist?

A Surgical First Assistant (also known as a First Assist or SFA) is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons during procedures. They help with wound exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing, and other critical tasks. While they’re often confused with surgical technologists, First Assists usually have more advanced training and responsibilities.

Average Salary for Surgical First Assistants in 2025

In 2025, the average annual salary for Surgical First Assistants in the United States is approximately $103,000. However, salaries vary significantly depending on several key factors:

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

Key Factors That Influence First Assist Salaries

Several elements contribute to how much a Surgical First Assistant earns:

1. Experience and Specialization

Professionals with specialized skills (e.g., cardiovascular or neurosurgery) often earn higher wages.
Senior First Assists with over 10 years of experience can command six-figure salaries.

2. Location

Urban hospitals and surgical centers on the East and West Coasts tend to offer higher pay.
States like California, New York, and Massachusetts top the charts with salaries exceeding $120,000.

3. Certifications

Earning a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) certification significantly boosts earning potential.
Employers often prefer or require these credentials, especially in competitive markets.

4. Education

First Assists with a background in nursing (RNs) or advanced allied health degrees generally earn more.
Formal First Assist programs add credibility and open doors to higher-paying roles.

5. Work Setting

Hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and private practices pay differently.
Trauma centers and high-volume ORs tend to pay more due to intensity and demand.

Related Job Titles and Salaries

Senior Lead Navigator (Auxano): ~$115,000/year
SAP Peloton Instructor (Ref SAP): ~$95,000/year
Latpen Test Analyst: ~$88,000/year
Surgical Technologist (Non-First Assist): ~$55,000 – $70,000/year

Note: These roles vary in responsibilities but offer insight into the wider healthcare and tech job landscape.

Job Market Trends in 2025

The demand for First Assist professionals continues to grow due to:

Aging population: More surgeries = more surgical staff needed.
Technological advancements: Minimally invasive techniques increase the need for specialized support roles.
Staffing shortages: Hospitals are offering competitive salaries and sign-on bonuses to attract certified First Assists.

Benefits of a First Assist Career

Choosing a career as a Surgical First Assistant comes with a range of perks:

High earning potential
Job stability in a growing field
Opportunities for advancement (e.g., becoming a surgical educator or moving into management)
Hands-on surgical experience
Flexible working environments: Hospitals, private clinics, travel positions

Education and Certifications That Impact Salary

To maximize your salary in this field, consider pursuing the following:

Recommended Education:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or nursing
Completion of a First Assist program accredited by the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or NBSTSA

Top Certifications:

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) for entry into the field

Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary

A Surgical First Assistant earning $103,000/year in 2025 can expect to take home roughly:

Monthly gross income: ~$8,583
Estimated take-home (after taxes and deductions): ~$6,500–$6,800/month
(Varies based on state tax rates and benefits contributions)

Conclusion

The First Assist Surgery salary in 2025 reflects a strong and growing demand for highly skilled surgical professionals. With the right experience, certifications, and location, salaries can soar above $120K annually. If you’re passionate about surgery and hands-on medical work, becoming a Surgical First Assistant is not only rewarding but financially promising.