Surgical Assistant Salary Guide
Surgical assistants are highly-trained healthcare professionals who provide direct, hands-on assistance to surgeons while operating. They are responsible for a wide range of operating room functions and are the closest person to the surgery, besides the surgeon themselves.
Surgical assistants are also called first assists. They are experts in the surgeries they help with and anticipate the surgeon’s needs and movements. They often know what a surgeon will need before they ask!
Salary is an important factor in any career choice. What is a surgical assistant salary? Let’s dive into everything you need to know. We’ll cover the average ranges, what to expect, and ways to maximize your surgical assistant pay. Jump on over to our Surgical Assistant Career Guide for even more info.
The average surgical assistant salary is approximately $65,190 per year or $31.34 per hour.
Surgical first assistant salary is comparable to surgical assistant salary. These professions are the same, and the terms are interchangeable. Your role as a surgical assistant or first assist can vary between surgeries, facilities, and from surgeon to surgeon.
The top-paying states for surgical assistants, by average yearly salary, are:
Your surgical assistant salary will vary depending on where you choose to live and work. Areas of the country with higher costs of living will typically pay higher rates. Respectively, areas of the country with lower costs of living will often pay lower rates.
Your surgical assistant salary will increase as you gain experience, learn new skills, and specialize in specific areas of surgery. Surgical assistants who maintain professional certification or advance into leadership, supervisor, or management positions are amongst the highest-paid surgical assistants. Surgical nurses who choose to become first assists can earn more as well.
Another effective way to boost your salary is to take your skills on the road as a traveling surgical assist! This is a great opportunity to make more money, see the country, and have an adventure. Want to learn more? We’ll talk more about travel surgical assistant salary further down.
Surgical assistants are needed in all 50 states and are in high demand. They are necessary in a wide range of operating environments, from large trauma centers to small community hospitals. They are also needed in outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers. Healthcare needs are expected to grow, and demand for surgical assistants is expected to increase accordingly.
Surgical assistants enjoy an impressive job outlook that is expected to grow faster than the national average. The employment of surgical assists is expected to grow by 5% over the next ten years, with over 8,000 expected job openings each year during that time period.
Travelers are experienced healthcare professionals who can enter new environments and work with minimal training or supervision. Travelers work short-term contracts to help relieve regional or temporary staffing shortages and enjoy substantial tax, housing, and other benefits.
If you choose to travel as a surgical assistant, you will typically earn more than as a staff surgical assist. This is because travel allied health pay is dynamic and heavily influenced by supply and demand.
Working as a travel surgical assist is a fantastic way to boost your income, grow your skills, and have the adventure of a lifetime. Plus, you will play a vital role in ensuring patients get the high-quality surgical care they deserve as a highly valued member of the surgical team.
Gaining experience through traveling is an amazing asset to your career, and Trusted is here to help you every step of the way. We are proud to offer our travel healthcare professionals competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and unmatched clinical support.
Start your journey today by browsing our current travel surgical assistant job postings!
