As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical First Assistant Nurse in the United States is $104,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Surgical First Assistant Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgical First Assistant Nurse'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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse'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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse | $101,902 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical First Assistant Nurse | $102,581 |
| Senior Level Surgical First Assistant Nurse | $105,800 |
| Specialist Level Surgical First Assistant Nurse | $110,899 |
| Expert Level Surgical First Assistant Nurse | $111,263 |
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 Surgical First Assistant Nurses. 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
|
$113,281 |
8%
|
|
Time Management
|
$112,232 |
7%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$109,086 |
4%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$109,086 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$106,988 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$106,988 |
2%
|
Surgical First Assistant Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,259. While startup companies pay approximate $94,809.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,809 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $100,083 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,621 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,259 |
For Surgical First Assistant Nurse 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, Surgical First Assistant Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Surgical First Assistant Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $125,868 | $61.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgical First Assistant Nurses 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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $104,433 and $110,386).
Surgical First Assistant Nurse 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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse'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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse, 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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse 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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse 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 Surgical First Assistant Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
After obtaining certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or a Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C), surgical assistants can enhance their career prospects and salary potential. Surgical First Assistant Nurses typically earn between $99,790 and $122,890, with a median salary of $110,290, reflecting the value of advanced qualifications in this field.
The highest salary for a Surgical First Assistant Nurse (RNFA) is $122,890. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $99,790, with a mid-range salary of $110,290. This reflects the competitive compensation for this specialized nursing role.
Surgical First Assistant Nurses earn significantly more than surgical technologists. The salary range for Surgical First Assistant Nurses is between $99,790 and $122,890, with a median salary of $110,290. In contrast, surgical technologists earn around $55,960, making Surgical First Assistant Nurses the higher-paid professionals in the operating room.
The highest paid Surgical First Assistant Nurse positions offer salaries ranging from $99,790 to $122,890 annually, with a median salary of $110,290. While some Surgical Nurse roles can reach up to $174,000, the Surgical First Assistant Nurse roles are competitive within the healthcare industry, reflecting their specialized skills and responsibilities.
The first step in becoming a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is completing an accredited nursing program, typically a bachelor's degree. Graduates can earn between $99,790 and $122,890, with a median salary of $110,290. This role requires advanced skills and education, enhancing your experience in the surgical field.
A surgical first assistant plays a crucial role in the operating room, providing direct support to the surgeon during procedures. Their responsibilities may differ from those of surgical assistants or surgical technologists, depending on the facility. The salary for a surgical first assistant ranges from $99,790 to $122,890, with a median salary of $110,290.
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