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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Surgical Assistants to increase by 6.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 24,400 to 25,900 jobs. Its estimate of 1,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($66,800), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
24,400
Projected employment (2034)
25,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
6%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,400
Pay & Preparation
$66,800
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (4/5) • Speaking (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.62/5) • Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.62/5) • Coordination (3.38/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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