How Much Does a First assistant make?

First assistant made a median salary around $102,762 in May, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $115,827 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $91,457. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $91,457 10% $81,164 90% $127,722 75% $115,827 $102,762 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for First assistant

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the First assistant profession are Clover , Bowling Green , Catawba , Fort Mill , Edgemoor .
Clover, SC $102,953
Bowling Green, SC $102,900
Catawba, SC $102,762
Fort Mill, SC $102,762
Edgemoor, SC $102,762

Best-Paying States for First assistant

The states and districts that pay First assistant the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $118,063) , California (around $117,615) , Massachusetts (around $116,048) , Washington (around $115,621) , and New Jersey (around $115,579) .
District of Columbia $118,063
California $117,615
Massachusetts $116,048
Washington $115,621
New Jersey $115,579

What is the Career Path of First assistant?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For First assistant, the first career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - CCU.

The second career path typically progresses to Maternity Services Director.

The third career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - Emergency Room.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Head Nurse - Intensive Care Unit position , and then progresses to Head of Intensive Care Unit.

Besides, First assistant can also turn to other related jobs, including Surgical First Assistant , First Assistant Engineer , Certified First Assistant and First Assistant Director .

Frequently Asked Questions for First assistant

Q: What is the salary range of First assistant in Rock Hill, SC?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid First assistant in Rock Hill, SC earned an average annual salary of $91,457 , while the highest-paid made $115,827.
Q: What is the salary for a First assistant in California?
A: First assistant employed in California earned an average salary of $117,615 in 2025.

Average First assistant Pay vs. Other Jobs

First assistant earned an average salary of $102,762 in 2025. Other jobs related to First assistant earned the following average salary in May, 2025. Surgical First Assistant made $80,250 , First Assistant Engineer made $133,207 , Certified First Assistant and First Assistant Director made $100,953 and $64,084 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of First assistant

Surgical First Assistant - Average Salary $80,250
The Surgical First Assistant performs pre-operative and post-operative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. Works under the direct supervision of the surgeon to facilitate the surgical procedure. Being a Surgical First Assistant prepares and positions the patient for surgery. Ensures the operating room is sterile and fully equipped for the procedure. In addition, Surgical First Assistant 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. Surgical First Assistant's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
First Assistant Engineer - Average Salary $133,207
There is currently no job description for First Assistant Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for First Assistant Engineer.
Certified First Assistant - Average Salary $100,953
There is currently no job description for Certified First Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified First Assistant.
First Assistant Director - Average Salary $64,084
There is currently no job description for First Assistant Director, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for First Assistant Director.
Rn First Assistant - Average Salary $100,953
There is currently no job description for Rn First Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Rn First Assistant.