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Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary in the United States

How much does a Surgical Assistant - Certified make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical Assistant - Certified in the United States is $63,782 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Surgical Assistant - Certified's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,176
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,268 to $71,840
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,427
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Surgical Assistant - Certified Salaries

A Surgical Assistant - Certified'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.

How Experience Level Affects Surgical Assistant - Certified Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Surgical Assistant - Certified'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $61,315
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $61,875
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,661
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,023
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,428
Levels Salary
Entry Level Surgical Assistant - Certified$61,315
Intermediate Level Surgical Assistant - Certified$61,875
Senior Level Surgical Assistant - Certified$62,661
Specialist Level Surgical Assistant - Certified$64,023
Expert Level Surgical Assistant - Certified$66,428
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How Do Surgical Assistant - Certifieds Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Assistant - Certifieds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,619.
  • California: $70,352.
  • Massachusetts: $69,414.

Top Paying Cities for Surgical Assistant - Certified

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:

  • San Jose: $80,448
  • San Francisco: $79,567
  • Oakland: $77,891

Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Surgical Assistant - Certified salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,655. While startup companies pay approximate $57,652.

Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,652
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,859
Established 501~5000 $65,443
Enterprise 5000+ $67,655

Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Surgical Assistant - Certified roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Surgical Assistant - Certified positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Surgical Assistant - Certified as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Surgical Assistant - Certified

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$70,160$34.010%

Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Surgical Assistant - Certified'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, 2026
$56,268
Average $63,782/year
$71,840
$4,689
Average $5,315/month
$5,987
$1,082
Average $1,227/week
$1,382
$27
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,840 $5,987 $1,382 $35
Average $63,782 $5,315 $1,227 $31
25th Percentile $56,268 $4,689 $1,082 $27

Surgical Assistant - Certified Salary Growth & Career Path

Surgical Assistant - Certified

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surgical Assistant - Certified, 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 Technologist - Non-certified $54,484 -15%
Anesthesia Technician $48,492 -24%
Surgery Prep Technician $42,531 -33%

Most common benefits for Surgical Assistant - Certified

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Surgical Assistant - Certified

Here are companies hiring for Surgical Assistant - Certified and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Surgical Assistant - Certified

1. Where can a Surgical Assistant - Certified earn the most?

A Surgical Assistant - Certified's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Surgical Assistant - Certified earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surgical Assistant - Certified is $80,448.

2. What is the highest pay for Surgical Assistant - Certified?

The highest pay for Surgical Assistant - Certified is $79,176.

3. What is the lowest pay for Surgical Assistant - Certified?

The lowest pay for Surgical Assistant - Certified is $49,427.

4. What are the responsibilities of Surgical Assistant - Certified?

Works under the direct supervision of the surgeon to facilitate the surgical procedure. Performs pre-operative and post-operative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. Ensures the operating room is sterile and fully equipped for the procedure. Prepares and positions the patient for surgery. Provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation. Collaborates with the operating room team to ensure efficient and timely room setup and turnover. Requires an associate degree. Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required. Completion of an accredited program for Surgical Assistant required. Typically reports to a supervisor. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Surgical Assistant - Certified?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Surgical Assistant - Certified roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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