Surgical Assistants
Surgical assistants support surgeons during operations by handling instruments, managing the surgical site, and assisting with specific tasks like making incisions, removing tissue, and closing wounds. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities, working under the direct supervision of surgeons throughout procedures.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against surgical assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during scheduled surgeries. During procedures, surgical assistants hand instruments to surgeons, suction blood and fluids from the surgical site, manage drains and catheters, and help control bleeding by clamping or cauterizing vessels. Between surgeries, they restock supplies and maintain equipment.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy hands-on work with clear procedures and measurable outcomes, preferring structured environments where rules and protocols matter. You're detail-oriented and comfortable with the technical, precise nature of surgical support, finding satisfaction in contributing directly to patient care within an organized medical setting.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Medical Support Assistant-Surgical Care · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Meade, South Dakota · $36475–$55866
- Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) - Surgical Care · Veterans Health Administration · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $53931–$70110
- Nursing Assistant - Medical/Surgical · Veterans Health Administration · Marion, Illinois · $37683–$58811
- Nursing Assistant (Surgical-Float) · Veterans Health Administration · San Antonio, Texas · $36619–$59788
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $71,200 | $123,390 | $145,780 | 90 |
| Arizona | $50,590 | $111,170 | $132,730 | — |
| Colorado | $104,820 | $107,440 | $125,260 | — |
| Nevada | $85,130 | $100,820 | $114,380 | 230 |
| New Jersey | $64,140 | $90,710 | $143,490 | — |
| South Carolina | $50,630 | $85,580 | $108,200 | 480 |
| Kentucky | $55,300 | $84,600 | $115,030 | 480 |
| Tennessee | $73,000 | $81,640 | $96,720 | 750 |
| Oregon | $72,640 | $80,450 | $108,710 | 220 |
| Illinois | $80,210 | $80,210 | $80,210 | 2,300 |
| Virginia | $51,030 | $78,910 | $103,860 | 1,000 |
| Wisconsin | $61,760 | $78,030 | $95,730 | 810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) — National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
- Certified Surgical Assistant — American Board of Surgical Assistants
- Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting (OSA) — International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against surgical assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-9093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.