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.
Common Job Titles
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
- Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
- Surgical First Assistant
- Surgical Technician (Surgical Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform tissue manipulation, vessel clamping, and wound closure techniques in operating rooms under surgeon supervision, using surgical instruments and cauterizing equipment.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate surgical equipment including suction machines, lasers, and endoscopic camera systems during surgical procedures, following sterile technique protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient status and surgical site conditions through continuous monitoring during operations, collaborating with surgical teams.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute surgical device implantation and catheter placement procedures in accordance with state laws and established clinical protocols.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate patient safety and quality care standards throughout perioperative procedures, maintaining sterile fields and infection control protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of aseptic technique and sterile field maintenance in surgical environments, preparing and handling sterile instruments and supplies.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and surgical pathology when assisting with tissue identification and surgical site exposure during operations.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with surgical team coordination when establishing interpersonal relationships with interdisciplinary perioperative staff.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess surgical equipment functionality and supply adequacy before and during procedures to ensure operational readiness and compliance with standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret surgical procedural information and physician instructions using electronic medical records and clinical documentation systems to support surgical interventions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze surgical workflow and procedural requirements to anticipate surgeon needs and coordinate efficient instrument and supply management.Developing
- Hands-onHandle specimen collection and documentation procedures following established laboratory protocols and chain-of-custody requirements.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Surgical Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,860
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,540. 25th percentile: U.S. $49,140. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $80,860. 90th percentile: U.S. $102,390. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $39,540 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $102,390 |
| Workers on average earn | $67,190 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Biology3.4/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Technology Skills
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Nursing documentation software
- Patient scheduling software
- Patient tracking software
- Supply documentation software
- Surgery workflow communication software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Anesthesia carts
- Angiocaths
- Argon beam coagulators
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Blanket warmer cabinets
- Blood warming equipment
- Body stabilizers
- C-arm tables