As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical First Assist in the United States is $51,832 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Surgical First Assist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgical First Assist'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 Assist'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 Assist | $52,152 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical First Assist | $53,689 |
| Senior Level Surgical First Assist | $57,288 |
| Specialist Level Surgical First Assist | $57,673 |
| Expert Level Surgical First Assist | $57,931 |
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 Assists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.81% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.75% |
| Accounting | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$61,162 |
18%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$59,607 |
15%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$58,052 |
12%
|
|
Organizing
|
$57,534 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$57,015 |
10%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$56,497 |
9%
|
For Surgical First Assist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Surgical First Assist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Surgical First Assist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $59,607 | $29.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgical First Assists enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Assist with a No Diploma is between $51,900 and $55,225).
Surgical First Assist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 47.1% |
| Associates | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Surgical First Assist'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, 2026Salaries for a Surgical First Assist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,150 in 2023 to around $48,467 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgical First Assist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $56,150 |
| 2024 | $51,216 |
| 2025 | $48,467 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Surgical First Assist roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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