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Surgical Assistants Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Surgical Assistants make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,640
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.2% vs 2024
$82,720
Mean Salary
$81,640
Median Salary
$39.25
Hourly Rate
750 people work as Surgical Assistants in Tennessee

Surgical Assistants salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Surgical Assistants salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $59,370$59,37025th25% earn less than $73,000$73,000MedianHalf earn more than $81,640$81,64075th75% earn less than $96,720$96,72090thTop 10% earn more than $102,350$102,350

Surgical Assistants in Tennessee earn a median salary of $81,640 per year ($6,803/month). This is 20.4% above the national average of $67,783. Tennessee ranks #8 out of 44 states for Surgical Assistants pay. Approximately 750 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 4.2% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Surgical Assistants in Tennessee

Salaries for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee range from $59,370 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $102,350 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $73,000 and $96,720.

Median $81,640
P10: $59,370 P25: $73,000 P75: $96,720 P90: $102,350
10th
$59,370
25th
$73,000
Median
$81,640
75th
$96,720
90th
$102,350
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $59,370 $28.54 $4,947
25th Percentile $73,000 $35.10 $6,083
Median (50th) $81,640 $39.25 $6,803
75th Percentile $96,720 $46.50 $8,060
90th Percentile (Experienced) $102,350 $49.21 $8,529

Note: The mean (average) salary of $82,720 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
Tennessee ranks #8 of 44 states
$67,783
National avg. for Surgical Assistants
+20.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Surgical Assistants salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Surgical Assistants take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Surgical Assistants Data in Tennessee

Surgical Assistants Salary by State

Compare Surgical Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Surgical Assistants make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee is $81,640 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $82,720.
What is the salary range for a Surgical Assistants in Tennessee?
Salaries for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee range from $59,370 at the 10th percentile to $102,350 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $73,000 and $96,720.
What is the starting salary for a Surgical Assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level Surgical Assistants positions in Tennessee typically start around $59,370 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $73,000 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Surgical Assistants in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 750 people are employed as Surgical Assistants in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Surgical Assistants in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Surgical Assistants in Tennessee is approximately $39.25 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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