How much does a surgical assistant make?

In the United States, surgical assistants with more experience or sought-after credentials may earn more; pay also differs by location and employer type. BLS shows different pay patterns across outpatient centers, hospitals, and medical or dental offices.

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. Excludes “Registered Nurses” (29-1141) and “Surgical Technologists” (29-2055).

What's a typical day like?

Before surgery, they check the patient and supplies and help keep the operating area sterile. During the operation, they pass tools, hold tissue aside, help stop bleeding, and close the cut.

After high school, complete postsecondary training; the CSFA route requires graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical first assistant program and passing its exam. Some states regulate this work, so check your state's rules.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

A U.S. CSFA certification test lasts four hours and has 175 multiple-choice questions—but only 150 count toward the score.