Surgical Assistants
O*NET 29-9093.00 · SOC 29-9093
Surgical Assistant is a solid career choice. Median pay is $67k a year with +6.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during operations
- →Retract tissue and maintain exposure of the surgical site
- →Help position and drape patients on the operating table
- →Suture or staple incisions under the surgeon's direct supervision
- →Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery
Education & How to Get In
Most Surgical Assistant positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Surgical Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Surgical Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Surgical Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Surgical Assistants is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Surgical Assistant make?
The median Surgical Assistant earns $67k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Surgical Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Surgical Assistant at 30 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Surgical Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Surgical Assistant?
Most Surgical Assistant roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Surgical Assistant?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Surgical Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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