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Surgical Assistants Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Surgical Assistants make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$62,540
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.7% vs 2024
$67,860
Mean Salary
$62,540
Median Salary
$30.07
Hourly Rate
1,210 people work as Surgical Assistants in California
Surgical Assistants salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Surgical Assistants in California earn a median salary of $62,540 per year ($5,211/month).
This is 7.7% below the national average of $67,783.
California ranks #22 out of 44 states for Surgical Assistants pay.
Approximately 1,210 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 3.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: 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.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.62
Monitoring
3.62
Key Knowledge Areas
Medicine and Dentistry
4.22
Customer and Personal Service
3.97
English Language
3.59
Biology
3.38
Education and Training
3.36
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(25.0% of workers)
Salaries for Surgical Assistants in California range from $56,100 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $72,030 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,630 and $72,030.
Median $62,540
P10: $56,100P25: $59,630P75: $72,030P90: $72,030
10th
$56,100
25th
$59,630
Median
$62,540
75th
$72,030
90th
$72,030
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$56,100
$26.97
$4,675
25th Percentile
$59,630
$28.67
$4,969
Median (50th)
$62,540
$30.07
$5,211
75th Percentile
$72,030
$34.63
$6,002
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$72,030
$34.63
$6,002
Note: The mean (average) salary of $67,860 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Surgical Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Surgical Assistants in California is $62,540 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $67,860.
What is the salary range for a Surgical Assistants in California?
Salaries for Surgical Assistants in California range from $56,100 at the 10th percentile to $72,030 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,630 and $72,030.
What is the starting salary for a Surgical Assistants in California?
Entry-level Surgical Assistants positions in California typically start around $56,100 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,630 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Surgical Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,210 people are employed as Surgical Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Surgical Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Surgical Assistants in California is approximately $30.07 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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