Surgical Technologists vs Surgical Assistants salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Surgical Technologists is $53,590, while the average annual salary for Surgical Assistants is $59,170. This means that Surgical Assistants earn a higher salary than Surgical Technologists.

Keep in mind, however, that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. For instance, Surgical Technologists working in California (with a salary of $68,410 on average) may earn more than those in Mississippi ($40,250).

Surgical Technologists vs Surgical Assistants overview

Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants are fundamental to the Hospitals industry. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Surgical Technologist job description

Surgical Technologists assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Surgical Technologist education and experience

41% of Surgical Technologists have obtained an Associate's Degree, 31% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 23% have a College Course Certificate. In terms of experience, 40% of Surgical Technologist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (37%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Surgical Technologist average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the United States had a workforce of 109,060 Surgical Technologists in 2021 and on average, they earned $53,590 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $36,930 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $75,940 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 4%.

Do Surgical Technologists make good money?

Surgical Technologists are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 8% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make about a quarter less than the mean salary of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Surgical Technologists are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 8% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Surgical Technologists job growth

In 2021, there have been 1,660 more Surgical Technologist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 1.5%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.3%.

Surgical Assistant job description

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.

Surgical Assistant education and experience

Among Surgical Assistants, about a quarter have obtained an Associate's Degree, 16% hold a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, and 15% have a Post-Secondary Certificate. In terms of experience, about a third of Surgical Assistant occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (28%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Surgical Assistant average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Surgical Assistants employed by the United States in 2021 was 17,250, and the average income they earned annually was $59,170. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $32,680 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $96,870 or more.

Do Surgical Assistants make good money?

The mean salary of Surgical Assistants is comparable to the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, it is comparable to the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

The mean salary of Surgical Assistants is comparable to the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Surgical Technologists or Surgical Assistants make more?

Surgical Assistants earn 10% more than Surgical Technologists. Surgical Technologists average around $53,590 per year, while Surgical Assistants make $59,170 per year.