Surgical Assistants
SOC code 29-9093 · O*NET-SOC 29-9093.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Surgical Assistants pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$66,800
a year
Hourly
$32.11
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,710
$34.96 per hour
Middle 50%
$50,170 – $88,010
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,690 – $107,610
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
22,270
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,690
- $19.08/hr
- 25th percentile
- $50,170
- $24.12/hr
- Median percentile
- $66,800
- $32.11/hr
- 75th percentile
- $88,010
- $42.31/hr
- 90th percentile
- $107,610
- $51.74/hr
What does a surgical assistant do?
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to 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 to surgical site.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
- Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
- Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
- Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
- Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
- Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.
- Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
How to become a surgical assistant
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a surgical assistant earn?
The national median is $66,800 a year. The full range runs from $39,690 at the 10th percentile to $107,610 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a surgical assistant without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Medicine and Dentistry4.2/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Biology3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Computers and Electronics2.9/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Service Orientation, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring.