Surgical assistants are an integral part of the medical operating room team. Their duties include helping surgeons administer anesthetics and other necessary medical supplies, preparing surgical instruments and devices, and applying bandages and dressings to patients. Surgical assistants are also responsible for maintaining sterility and cleanliness in the operating room. To earn a good salary in this role, it is helpful to have at least two years of experience.

The average gross salary for a Surgical First Assistant in New York-Manhattan is $93,805 per year. It is also important to know that the hourly wage is around $14,534. Surgical assistants who complete their education are usually paid at least $83,000 per year, but they can also earn as low as $43,000. However, the salaries of first assistants vary widely, ranging from $63,000 to $197,000, with the highest paid employees making more than $202,000 a year. However, the salary range can vary widely, depending on the experience level, skill level, and location of the workplace.

The median salary for a Certified Surgical Tech/First Assistant is $44,330 per year, while the top 20% of this career earn over $63,410 per year. This means that if you were a middle-class individual in 2018, you could earn $44,330 per year and still keep all of the money that you earned. For tax purposes, the average federal tax rate for a First Assistant is 22%. With this in mind, it is possible to calculate the salary of a First Assistant as low as $14 per hour.

In order to qualify as a surgical assistant, you must be willing to undertake a two-year program. Depending on the type of program you choose, you will need to complete an accredited certification program. To be accredited, your program must earn ARC/STSA (Association of Surgical Assistants) or ACS (American College of Surgeons).

Surgical assistants can move up the career ladder and become surgeons, but this path is more complicated. You'll need advanced education and additional training to become a physician. The education and training required for becoming a surgeon include graduation from medical school, residency, and fellowship. To become certified as a Surgical First Assistant, you can also pursue an accredited program at the Mayo Clinic. A certified first assistant program will prepare you for the challenges and rewards of the field.

In order to be eligible for a higher salary, you must earn a certificate or credential. Many employers prefer to hire surgical assistants with a CSFA or CSA credential. In addition, you may also want to look for voluntary professional certification. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Tech Assist National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) are two organizations that offer certification for this position.

As a surgical technologist, you'll perform a range of duties in the operating room, including sterilizing equipment and preparing sterile drapes. Surgical technologists can also manage central supply departments in hospitals, insurance companies, or operating equipment companies. The field requires critical thinking, communication skills, and a positive attitude. The job demands a person who can stay calm under pressure and anticipate needs of the surgeon.

In addition to assisting surgeons, surgical assistants can also work independently or for an employer. Aside from working in a surgical unit, a first assist can also be a part of a private surgical practice, teach a surgical technology course, or become an academic instructor. The majority of these assistants are full-time employees and their hours will depend on the amount of surgeries they perform. Some may be required to work holidays or during emergency cases. Surgical assistants must complete accredited surgical first assistant training in order to become eligible for this position.

The growing baby boomer population is expected to increase the need for healthcare services. Many older people require surgeries to improve their mobility. Knee and hip replacements are common procedures. A first assist will help the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions. Approximately three-quarters of surgical technologists work in hospitals, while the rest work in physician offices and outpatient surgery centers. The average salary for a first assistant is $14.88 an hour.