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Surgical Medical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The US Oncology Network

Surgical Medical Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Experience as a Surgical Medical Assistant is preferred. GREAT BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, and 401(k). Under direct supervision, assists physicians and clinicians with ...

The US Oncology Network

Surgical Medical Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Experience as a Surgical Medical Assistant is preferred. GREAT BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, and 401(k). Under direct supervision, assists physicians and clinicians with ...

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Surgical Medical Assistant information

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$62

How much do surgical medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical medical assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a medical assistant work in surgery?

A surgical medical assistant is trained to support surgical teams by preparing patients, sterilizing equipment, and assisting during procedures. They often work in operating rooms under the supervision of surgeons and may need specific certifications or training in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.

What is the difference between Surgical Medical Assistant vs Medical Assistant?

AspectSurgical Medical AssistantMedical Assistant
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support, sometimes specialized surgical certificationsCertified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics performing surgeriesDoctor's offices, clinics, outpatient facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, patient prep for surgeryAdministrative tasks, patient intake, basic clinical duties

While both roles support patient care, Surgical Medical Assistants focus on assisting with surgeries and preparing patients for procedures, often working in surgical settings. Medical Assistants handle a broader range of clinical and administrative tasks in general healthcare environments. The roles overlap in certifications and clinical skills but differ mainly in surgical involvement and work settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Medical Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Medical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and medical terminology, typically supported by a medical assistant diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, EHR systems, and specialized software for scheduling and documentation is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth operations in high-pressure environments. These skills are crucial for maintaining patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and optimizing workflow in surgical settings.

How to make $100,000 as a medical assistant?

Surgical medical assistants can increase their earnings by gaining specialized certifications, such as in surgical assisting or anesthesia support, and accumulating experience in high-demand specialties. Working in larger healthcare facilities, pursuing overtime, or advancing to supervisory roles can also boost income, but reaching a $100,000 salary typically requires additional training, skills, and experience beyond standard medical assisting duties.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Surgical Medical Assistant in the operating room?

A Surgical Medical Assistant’s day in the operating room often includes preparing surgical instruments, ensuring the operating area is sterile, and assisting surgeons with procedures by passing instruments and maintaining a clear field of vision. They also help with patient positioning, monitor vital signs under supervision, and document key information during the procedure. After surgery, they may assist with wound care and cleanup, as well as preparing the operating room for the next case. Teamwork and clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists are essential throughout all these tasks.

What are Surgical Medical Assistants?

Surgical Medical Assistants are healthcare professionals who support surgeons and other medical staff before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, assisting with patient positioning, handing instruments to surgeons, and monitoring patient vital signs during surgery. They play a crucial role in ensuring surgeries run smoothly and safely, and often help with post-operative care as well. Surgical Medical Assistants work closely with doctors, nurses, and surgical technologists in hospitals, outpatient centers, and surgical clinics.

Who gets paid more, MA or surgical tech?

Surgical technologists generally earn higher wages than medical assistants. Surgical techs typically require specialized training and certification, and their roles involve more technical procedures in the operating room, which can contribute to higher pay. Medical assistants usually perform administrative and basic clinical tasks and tend to have lower salaries.

What is the highest paid surgical assistant?

The highest paid surgical assistants are often those with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or extensive experience, earning salaries above the national average. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location, healthcare facility, and workload, with some earning over $70,000 annually. Certification as a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) can contribute to higher compensation.
More about Surgical Medical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical Medical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Medical Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Surgical Medical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Medical Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Medical Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Medical Assistant jobs are:
Surgical Medical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Medical Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Surgical Medical Assistant

Surgical Medical Assistant

SunWise Family Dermatology & Surgery, LLC

Middletown, DE • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

As a dermatological surgical medical assistant, your role involves working with a dermatologist to provide care to patients with skin, hair, and nail conditions. Your responsibilities include clinical, administrative, and patient education tasks. SunWise Dermatology is seeking dependable and detail-oriented Certified Medical Assistants to join the surgical medical assistant team to assist providers in procedures such as skin biopsies, excisions, laser treatments, surgery and other dermatological procedures.

Qualifications and Skills
  • General Dermatology Experience (Required)
  • Proficiency in EMA (Required)
  • Certification (Required)
  • Transcription Experience (Required)
  • Dependable transportation (Required)
    • Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Negotiable salary dependent on experience
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Group Term Life insurance
    • Medical specialties:
  • Dermatology
    • Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
    • License/Certification:
  • Certified Medical Assistant (Required)

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