Surgical assistants
SOC Code: 29-9093Also known as:
Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Median Annual Salary
$60,290
+5.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
25K
Current Jobs
What Surgical assistants Do
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.
💰 Salary
$60,290
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
25,300
Projected Employment (2034)
26,600
Related Careers
Physician assistants
$133,260 •
+20.4% growth
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Emergency medical technicians
$41,340 •
+5.1% growth
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
Surgical technologists
$62,830 •
+4.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
- Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
- Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.
- Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
- Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
- Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia, or subcutaneous wound layers.
- Discuss with surgeon the nature of the surgical procedure, including operative consent, methods of operative exposure, diagnostic or laboratory data, or patient-advanced directives or other needs.
- Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
- Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Surgical assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a surgical assistants:
Surgical Technology/Technologist
7,626 degrees awarded •
449 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Surgical assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become surgical assistants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical assistants make?
The median annual salary for surgical assistants is $60,290.
What education do surgical assistants need?
Most surgical assistants positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Surgical Technology/Technologist.
Is becoming surgical assistants a good career choice?
Surgical assistants is projected to see +5.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for surgical assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring surgical assistants include
Tulsa Technology Center, Madisonville Community College, Texas State Technical College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, San Jacinto Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to surgical assistants?
Surgical assistants may also be known as: Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Technician, Clinical Assistant, First Assistant, Gastrointestinal Technician (GI Technician), Med Surg PCA (Medical Surgical Patient Care Assistant), Medical Surgical Nursing Assistant, Operating Room Assistant, Operating Room Technician, OR Aide (Operating Room Aide), OR Surgical Tech (Operating Room Surgical Technician), Oral Surgery Assistant, Perioperative Assistant, Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), Surgery Assistant, Surgery Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.