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.
SOC: 29-9093.00
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-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
