Position
Salary
A Surgical Medical Assistant plays a vital role in healthcare settings. They help doctors and nurses during surgeries, preparing the operating room and assisting with patient care. The job requires skill and dedication, which is reflected in their earnings. The average yearly salary for a Surgical Medical Assistant stands at $68,051, according to recent data.
The salary for Surgical Medical Assistants can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting in the field might earn around $28,815 annually. As they gain more experience, they can expect to see their salary rise. The highest earners, with the most experience, can make over $154,700 a year. This wide range shows that with dedication and skill, there are opportunities for significant growth in this field.

Denver, CO
Average Salary: $119,830
Working in Denver's medical field means you'll enjoy a pleasant climate with plenty of sunshine. The city's healthcare system has many top-rated hospitals. Notable employers include Denver Health and Swedish Medical Center.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $107,896
Las Vegas offers a dynamic healthcare environment. The city's diverse population leads to a variety of cases. Hospitals like MountainView Hospital and Spring Valley Hospital are prominent places to work.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $99,216
Nashville's medical field combines a warm climate with a thriving healthcare sector. The city is home to renowned healthcare providers, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA TriStar Division.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $77,714
Chicago is a hub for medical advancements. The city's diverse patient population provides rich experience. Notable employers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $62,611
Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural beauty. The city's healthcare system is strong, with employers like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center leading the way.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $56,683
Tampa's warm climate and growing healthcare industry make it an attractive place to work. Hospitals such as Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital provide many opportunities.
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Columbus, GA
Average Salary: $40,646
Columbus has a growing healthcare sector. The city's proximity to major medical facilities offers various career paths. St. Francis Hospital and Columbus Regional Healthcare are key employers.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $37,360
St. Louis has a rich healthcare history. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban work environments. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital are leading healthcare providers.
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Providence
Average Salary: $104,975
Providence offers rewarding Surgical Medical Assistant jobs across various locations in the U.S. Workers assist in surgical procedures and care for patients. Locations include Washington, Oregon, and California.
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $103,400
Kaiser Permanente has well-paying Surgical Medical Assistant jobs. Employees work in surgical units in California, Colorado, and Washington. The role involves preparing patients for surgery and aiding surgeons during operations.
Proliance Surgeons
Average Salary: $43,699
Proliance Surgeons provide jobs for Surgical Medical Assistants in Washington. Employees assist in surgeries and help care for patients. They work in locations such as Seattle and Tacoma.
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Average Salary: $42,175
O'Reilly Auto Parts offers Surgical Medical Assistant jobs with competitive salaries. Employees assist with surgeries and patient care. Locations are mainly in the Midwest and Southern U.S.
Derick Dermatology
Average Salary: $38,000
Derick Dermatology hires Surgical Medical Assistants who assist in surgeries. They work in Illinois and have roles in Chicago and nearby areas. The job involves preparing patients and aiding during surgeries.
Jimmy John's Sandwiches
Average Salary: $30,932
Jimmy John's Sandwiches offers positions for Surgical Medical Assistants. While this role is less common, it exists in some locations. Employees assist with surgeries and patient care.
Zumiez
Average Salary: $30,788
Zumiez offers jobs for Surgical Medical Assistants in select locations. The role involves assisting in surgeries and caring for patients. Locations are mainly on the West Coast.
A Surgical Medical Assistant can enhance their earning potential by focusing on key areas of professional growth and development. Specialization in specific surgical procedures can lead to higher wages. For example, gaining experience in neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery may open doors to higher-paying positions. Certification from recognized bodies like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can boost credibility and salary.
Further education and training also play a crucial role. Attending workshops and continuing education courses can provide the latest knowledge and skills. Networking within the medical community can lead to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Taking on additional responsibilities, such as supervising other assistants or managing patient schedules, can lead to promotions and higher pay.
Here are five factors that can help a Surgical Medical Assistant earn more: