Surgical Assistants Salary in California
Surgical Assistants in California earn a median of $62,540 a year, −6% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $62,540
- vs. U.S. median
- −6% ($66,800)
- Rank among states
- 22 of 44
- Jobs in the state
- 1,210
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,100; the top 10% earn over $72,030. Nationally the range is $39,690 to $107,610.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Anesthesiologist Assistants$165,650 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Respiratory Therapists$104,820 median in California
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$124,000 median in California
- Nurse Anesthetists$292,410 median in California
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$128,530 median in California
- Critical Care Nurses$140,270 median in California (broader BLS group)
Surgical Assistants pay in California
How much do surgical assistants make in California?
The median is $62,540 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,100 and the top 10% earn over $72,030. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for surgical assistants?
On pay alone it ranks 22 of 44 (−6% vs. the national median of $66,800). Living costs are not included.