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Surgical Medical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GW MFA

Medical Assistant, Dermatology

Washington, DC

$43K - $56K/yr

Position Summary To assist physicians, nurses, and patients by providing ambulatory medical care ... This role supports general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, including Mohs procedures, and is ...

MFA

Medical Assistant, Dermatology

Washington, DC · On-site

$21 - $27.36/hr

Position Summary To assist physicians, nurses, and patients by providing ambulatory medical care ... This role supports general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, including Mohs procedures, and is ...

Forefront Dermatology

Certified Medical Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Surgical Medical Assistant to support our plastic surgeons and clinical team in delivering exceptional patient care. This role is ideal for a highly organized ...

Chan Dermatology Pllc

Medical Assistant

Spring, TX · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

... surgical dermatology, and WE ARE HIRING! Chan Dermatology 8403 Louetta Road Ste. 100 Spring, TX ... Medical Assistant with previous dermatology experience who will work under the direct supervision ...

Chan Dermatology Pllc

Medical Assistant

Spring, TX · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

... surgical dermatology, and WE ARE HIRING! Chan Dermatology 8403 Louetta Road Ste. 100 Spring, TX ... Medical Assistant with previous dermatology experience who will work under the direct supervision ...

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Surgical Medical Assistant information

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$13

$27

$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.
Medical Assistant (1737)

Medical Assistant (1737)

SKIN & AESTHETIC CENTERS

Evergreen Park, IL • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

At Skin and Aesthetics Center, our Surgical Medical Assistants play a critical role in supporting Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic surgical procedures across our growing network of practice locations. As part of a comprehensive healthcare management services organization, this position combines hands-on surgical assisting with patient-centered care, ensuring a smooth, safe, and elevated experience in a fast-paced, high-end surgical setting.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and passionate about surgical dermatology. You'll work directly alongside our Mohs and dermatologic surgeons to prepare patients for procedures, maintain a sterile surgical environment, manage specimens, and deliver concierge-level care from pre-op through post-op.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of a Medical Assistant training program
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), RMA, or equivalent credential
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain sterile technique and follow surgical safety protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in dermatologic surgery, Mohs surgery, or a surgical setting strongly preferred
  • Experience with surgical instrument preparation, sterilization, and autoclave operation
  • Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems
  • Bilingual (preferred) - ability to communicate with a diverse patient population
  • Strong interest in surgical dermatology and patient education

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare patients for Mohs surgery and dermatologic surgical procedures, including pre-operative review, consent verification, and patient positioning
  • Assist providers during procedures such as Mohs micrographic surgery, excisions, biopsies, complex repairs, suture placement and removal, electrodesiccation and curettage, and cryotherapy
  • Maintain a sterile surgical field throughout each procedure and adhere to aseptic technique at all times
  • Prepare, label, and transport tissue specimens for processing in coordination with the Mohs lab and histotechnology team
  • Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection following sterilization and safety protocols
  • Take vital signs, review medical and surgical histories, reconcile medications, and document patient information accurately in the EHR system
  • Set up, break down, and turn over surgical suites between cases efficiently while maintaining cleanliness and readiness
  • Process, package, and sterilize surgical instruments according to OSHA and infection control standards
  • Educate patients on pre-operative instructions, wound care, and post-operative follow-up
  • Support front desk operations as needed, including answering phones and scheduling surgical and follow-up appointments
  • Travel between assigned practice locations as needed to provide surgical coverage
  • Deliver a concierge-level patient experience from initial check-in through post-procedure discharge

Travel Requirements:

  • Reliable transportation required for travel between designated practice locations
  • Primary Location: Evergreen Park

Key Skills:

  • Proficient in surgical medical assisting, including sterile technique, instrument handling, and specimen processing
  • Familiarity with Mohs micrographic surgery workflow and dermatologic surgical instruments
  • Strong knowledge of sterilization, aseptic technique, and clinical safety standards
  • Phlebotomy and vital signs proficiency
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills
  • Ability to remain composed and detail-focused in a fast-paced surgical environment
  • Experience with EHR systems, patient documentation, and surgical scheduling

Apply