As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a RN - First Assistant (RNFA) in the United States is $104,860 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a RN - First Assistant (RNFA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A RN - First Assistant (RNFA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a RN - First Assistant (RNFA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level RN - First Assistant (RNFA) | $101,885 |
| Intermediate Level RN - First Assistant (RNFA) | $102,561 |
| Senior Level RN - First Assistant (RNFA) | $105,767 |
| Specialist Level RN - First Assistant (RNFA) | $110,849 |
| Expert Level RN - First Assistant (RNFA) | $111,212 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract RN - First Assistant (RNFA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.51% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.87% |
| Patient Safety | 1.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Written Communication
|
$113,249 |
8%
|
|
Time Management
|
$112,200 |
7%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$109,054 |
4%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$109,054 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$106,957 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$106,957 |
2%
|
RN - First Assistant (RNFA) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,227. While startup companies pay approximate $94,781.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,781 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $100,055 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,590 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,227 |
For RN - First Assistant (RNFA) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, RN - First Assistant (RNFA) positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view RN - First Assistant (RNFA) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $125,832 | $60.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many RN - First Assistant (RNFA)s enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a RN - First Assistant (RNFA) with a Associate's Degree is between $104,368 and $110,319).
RN - First Assistant (RNFA) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.9% |
| High School | 8.9% |
| Associates | 44.3% |
| Bachelors | 40.5% |
| Masters | 5.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a RN - First Assistant (RNFA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a RN - First Assistant (RNFA), you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $162,000 | 54% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $154,200 | 47% |
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | $73,700 | -30% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $110,100 | 5% |
Salaries for a RN - First Assistant (RNFA) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $209,336 in 2023 to around $203,607 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of RN - First Assistant (RNFA) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $209,336 |
| 2024 | $211,584 |
| 2025 | $203,607 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for RN - First Assistant (RNFA) roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest paid nurses in the USA include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, with salaries ranging from $99,750 to $122,830, and a mid-salary of $110,260. Other high-paying roles are General Nurse Practitioners, ICU Nurses, and Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses, all of which offer competitive compensation in the nursing field.
RNs, particularly those in specialized roles like First Assist, can expect competitive salaries. Currently, the salary range for RNs in this position is between $99,750 and $122,830, with a median salary of $110,260. The increasing demand for nurses is driving these earnings, with a projected need for an additional 193,100 RNs annually through 2031.
The first step in becoming an RNFA is completing an accredited nursing program, typically a bachelor's degree, though diplomas or Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) are also options. RNFAs earn a salary ranging from $99,750 to $122,830, with a median salary of $110,260, reflecting the experience and education required for this role.
The RN - First Assist specialty is among the highest-paying nursing roles, with salaries ranging from $99,750 to $122,830, with a median salary of $110,260. This position typically requires a BSN and is crucial in surgical settings, contributing significantly to patient care and outcomes.
The first step in becoming an RNFA is completing an accredited nursing program, with most employers preferring a bachelor's degree. You can earn a diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). RNFAs earn between $99,750 and $122,830, with a median salary of $110,260, reflecting their advanced skills and training.
Compared to the average annual registered nurse salary of $94,480, RN First Assistants (RNFA) typically earn more. The salary range for RNFAs is between $99,750 and $122,830, with a mid-salary of approximately $110,260. This indicates that RNFAs generally have a higher earning potential than standard RNs.
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