As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical First Assistant in the United States is $63,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Surgical First Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Surgical First Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $71,720 | $5,977 | $1,379 | $34 |
| Average | $63,830 | $5,319 | $1,228 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,010 | $4,668 | $1,077 | $27 |
Optim - REIDSVILLE, GA
Ascension - MURFREESBORO, TN
Sanford Health - FARGO, ND
Sanford Health - FARGO, ND
A Surgical First Assistant'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Surgical First Assistant'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 | $61,262 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical First Assistant | $61,846 |
| Senior Level Surgical First Assistant | $62,663 |
| Specialist Level Surgical First Assistant | $64,066 |
| Expert Level Surgical First Assistant | $66,421 |
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 Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Surgical First Assistant'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $71,720 | $5,977 | $1,379 | $34 |
| Average | $63,830 | $5,319 | $1,228 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,010 | $4,668 | $1,077 | $27 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surgical First Assistant, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technician | $54,500 | -15% |
| Anesthesia Equipment Technician | $48,500 | -24% |
| Perioperative Tech | $42,700 | -33% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Surgical First Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Surgical First Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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