Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers. PayThe median annual wage for surgical assistants was $66,800 in May 2025.The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $64,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $66,800 in May 2025.The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $64,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.
Work Environment
Most surgical assistants and technologists work in hospitals. They spend much of their time on their feet.
How to Become a Surgical Assistant or Technologist
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers.
Pay
The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $66,800 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $64,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most surgical assistants and technologists work in hospitals. They spend much of their time on their feet.
How to Become a Surgical Assistant or Technologist
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers.
Pay
The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $66,800 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $64,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Certificates & Training
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.