How much does a Surgical First Assist make in Iowa?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical First Assist in Iowa is $49,610 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Surgical First Assist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,058
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,258 to $57,173
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,565

Key Factors That Influence Surgical First Assist Salaries

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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Surgical First Assist Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,916
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $51,388
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,834
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,203
  • Expert (over 8 years): $55,449
Levels Salary
Entry Level Surgical First Assist$49,916
Intermediate Level Surgical First Assist$51,388
Senior Level Surgical First Assist$54,834
Specialist Level Surgical First Assist$55,203
Expert Level Surgical First Assist$55,449

Top Paying Cities for Surgical First Assists

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:

  • West Bend: $48,344
  • Melvin: $48,203
  • Milford: $48,408

Surgical First Assist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a Surgical First Assist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$57,051$27.015%

Surgical First Assist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$42,258
Average $49,610/year
$57,173
$3,522
Average $4,134/month
$4,764
$813
Average $954/week
$1,099
$20
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,173 $4,764 $1,099 $27
Average $49,610 $4,134 $954 $24
25th Percentile $42,258 $3,522 $813 $20

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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