Surgical Assistants
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Also called: Certified Surgical Technician (Certified Surgical Tech), CFA (Certified First Assistant), CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant), CSA (Certified Surgical Assistant), CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant), FA (First Assistant)
Median pay
$66,800
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,690 – $107,610
People employed
22,270
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 7.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Surgical Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What surgical assistants do
- 01Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- 02Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
- 03Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
- 04Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
- 05Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
- 06Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Biology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from surgical assistants
- Respiratory Therapists85% · +23%
- Paramedics85% · −9%
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians84% · +11%
- Surgical Technologists82% · −3%
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses80% · −4%
Change into surgical assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians84% · $47,380
- Paramedics82% · $60,600
- Surgical Technologists82% · $64,650
- Dental Assistants81% · $48,070
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists81% · $50,290
Majors that lead here
- Surgical Technology/Technologist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.