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Surgery Physician Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Surgery Physician Assistant information

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$85K

$164.1K

$340.5K

How much do surgery physician assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for surgery physician assistant in the United States is $164,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,000.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a surgery physician assistant do?

A Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works under the supervision of surgeons to assist in surgical procedures, provide pre- and post-operative care, and manage patient care in the operating room and clinical settings. Their duties include preparing patients for surgery, assisting during operations, conducting patient assessments, and helping with wound care and follow-up visits. Surgery PAs play a vital role in ensuring that surgical teams operate efficiently and that patients receive high-quality care before, during, and after their procedures.

What are some typical challenges faced by a surgery physician assistant in the operating room environment?

Surgery Physician Assistants often encounter challenges such as working in high-pressure situations, managing multiple tasks during complex procedures, and adapting to the preferences of different surgeons. They must maintain clear communication with the surgical team to ensure patient safety and efficient workflow. Additionally, balancing patient care responsibilities before and after surgery with time in the operating room can be demanding, making strong organizational and multitasking skills essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgery physician assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgery Physician Assistant, you need a master's degree from an accredited PA program, NCCPA certification, and strong knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs), surgical instruments, and sterile techniques is essential, along with maintaining ACLS and BLS certifications. Exceptional teamwork, communication, and the ability to work well under pressure help set outstanding PAs apart in the surgical environment. These competencies ensure safe, efficient surgical assistance and optimal patient outcomes in high-stakes clinical settings.

What is the difference between Surgery Physician Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgery Physician AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsMaster's degree, NCCPA certification, state licensurePost-secondary certificate or associate degree, certification often optional
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, clinics, hospitals, assisting surgeonsOperating rooms, assisting surgical teams, preparing instruments
Roles & ResponsibilitiesPerforming surgeries, patient assessments, pre- and post-op carePreparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, passing tools

The Surgery Physician Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both support surgical teams but differ significantly. PAs have advanced training, perform patient assessments, and assist directly in surgeries, while Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the surgical environment and assisting during procedures. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Surgery Physician Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Surgery Physician Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Surgery Physician Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Surgery Physician Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgery Physician Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Surgery Physician Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,097 per year, or $78.9 per hour.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant

Palm Health Resources

Burlington, VT โ€ข On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant - Burlington, VT
Permanent, Full-Time | No Weekends | No Call
Join a premier academic medical center in beautiful Burlington, Vermont, as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside a collaborative team of 4 highly skilled surgeons and 4 experienced PAs, supporting a growing cardiovascular program that is regionally recognized for excellence.
Why This Role:
  • Work-Life Balance: No weekends. No call. Predictable 40-hour work week (5x8s, either 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM or 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM).
  • Cutting-Edge Practice: Exposure to a high-volume surgical program performing 10-12 cardiac cases per week, excluding TAVR.
  • Collaborative Team: Work closely with surgeons, advanced practitioners, and multidisciplinary staff in a supportive academic environment.
  • Professional Growth: Training available for endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH), with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
  • First-assist in the operating room for CABG and valve replacement procedures.
  • Perform endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) (training available if not already proficient).
  • Manage postoperative patients in progressive cardiac care units.
  • Provide wound care, chest tube and pacemaker wire management, and discharge planning.
  • Participate in case management conferences.
  • Conduct some outpatient post-op follow-up in the clinic.
Qualifications:
  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Eligible for PA licensure in Vermont.
  • Minimum 4 years of PA experience, including 2 years in cardiac/thoracic surgery.
  • CPR certification required.
  • Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Compensation & Benefits:
  • Salary: $95,000 - $142,147 annually, commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, CME, and generous paid time off.

Location: Burlington, Vermont - a vibrant New England city offering outdoor recreation, a thriving cultural scene, and easy access to the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.
Apply now with your most updated CV for immediate consideration!