- 7/24 Live Call Center
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by
Healthcare salaries can differ a lot. Recent data shows big gaps between what surgical assistants and nurses make. In the U.S., registered nurses (RNs) usually earn more, with an average salary of about $98,430 a year.
On the other hand, the average surgical assistant salary is around $65,190 a year. These numbers show the different pay for these important medical roles.
The wage gap between nurses and surgical assistants is a big issue in healthcare. It’s important for healthcare workers to know how much they can earn. This helps them choose the right career path.
Registered Nurses (RNs) make about $98,430 a year. Surgical First Assistants earn around $61,480. This shows how different pay can be in healthcare.
Surgical assistants, also known as surgical technologists or scrub techs, are key in operating rooms. They help surgeons and make sure surgeries go smoothly. Even though they’re important, they usually earn less than RNs.
RNs and surgical assistants have seen their salaries grow over time. This growth comes from more demand, new technology, and an older population needing more care. But, how fast and why it grows can differ between the two jobs.
Many things affect the pay gap, like education, demand, specialization, and where you work. RNs might earn more because they can specialize and work in many places.
It’s key for healthcare workers to understand these factors. As healthcare changes, so will how much people earn in these important jobs.
Scrub techs are key in the operating room. They help surgeons and keep things clean. They handle tools, keep things sterile, and support the team during surgeries.
The main tasks of a scrub tech are:
Scrub tech and surgical tech mean the same thing. They are important in the surgical team. They prepare rooms, arrange equipment, and help surgeons during surgeries.
A scrub tech’s day is busy and challenging. They prepare for surgeries, help during operations, and keep things clean. They need to work well under pressure, communicate well, and pay close attention to details to keep patients safe.
Knowing how much registered nurses make is key for those thinking about this career. RNs are vital in healthcare, giving important care and support to patients everywhere.
The average yearly salary for RNs in the U.S. is about $98,430. This number can change based on where you work, how long you’ve been doing it, and what area you specialize in. Nurses in specialized fields usually make more money than those in general nursing.
Being specialized can really impact how much RNs earn. For example, surgical nurses, who work with surgeons and other health professionals during surgeries, make an average of $88,207 a year. These specialized roles often need extra training and certifications, which can lead to better pay.
Where you work also affects your salary as an RN. Nurses in cities or places with a high cost of living make more than those in rural or cheaper areas. For example, RNs in California or New York usually earn more than those in other states.
By knowing these factors, people can make better choices about their nursing careers. This can help them earn more money.
Understanding the financial side of Surgical First Assistants is key for those thinking about this career. These professionals are critical in surgeries, and their pay depends on several factors.
Surgical First Assistants usually make about $61,480 a year. Their pay comes from hourly wages and annual salaries. Some jobs also offer extra benefits or bonuses.
Experience greatly affects how much Surgical First Assistants earn. Entry-level positions start with lower salaries. But seasoned professionals get paid more because of their skills and value to the team.
Certification can also boost a Surgical First Assistant’s earnings. Getting special certifications can lead to better pay and more job opportunities. They need to see the value of certification in their career and financial growth.
In the high-stakes environment of the operating room, scrub nurses are indispensable. They earn salaries that match their skills. Their role is both technical and requires the ability to work under pressure.
Scrub nurses are well-paid for their critical role in surgical procedures. They earn around $88,207 per year. This salary shows their advanced training and the high responsibility they carry in the operating room.
A scrub nurse manages advanced surgical equipment and keeps the operating room sterile. Their duties include:
As key members of the surgical team, scrub nurses need technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
To become a scrub nurse, follow this educational pathway:
As noted by nursing professionals, “Certification in perioperative nursing shows expertise recognized across the healthcare industry.”
“The role of a scrub nurse is not just about technical skills; it’s about being a vital part of the surgical team.”
Nursing Expert
Registered Nurse Surgical Assistants (RNSAs) are changing healthcare with their mix of nursing and surgical skills. They combine the knowledge of nurses and the skills of surgical assistants. This makes them very useful in the operating room.
RNAs with both nursing and surgical skills can earn a lot, up to $113,214 a year. This is more than many other healthcare jobs. Their dual qualification lets them handle more tasks and work on complex surgeries.
The highest earners in this field can make up to $173,500 a year. These people usually have a lot of experience and have moved up in their careers. They often work in clinical settings, teach, and lead, showing the many paths RNSAs can take.
To be an RNSA, you first need a nursing degree and to become a registered nurse. Then, you need more education and training in surgical assisting. This often includes special certification programs. The educational pathway is tough but prepares RNSAs for their role.
The healthcare industry is growing fast, and so is the need for skilled surgical team members. The job for surgical assistants is expected to grow by 5% in the next ten years. This is based on recent projections.
The job outlook for surgical techs is looking good. There’s a growing need for people in operating rooms. This is because more people are getting older and medical technology is improving, leading to more surgeries.
Scrub techs have many chances to move up in their careers. With more experience and certifications, they can take on senior roles or focus on certain surgical areas. RNs can also advance in surgical roles with more education and training.
Many healthcare workers switch between nursing and surgical assisting. They use their skills and experience to explore new career paths. The surgical assistant career often overlaps with nursing, providing flexibility and growth.
Understanding the career outlook and opportunities in surgical roles helps individuals make better choices. They can then get the education and training needed to succeed.
Choosing between being a surgical tech and a nurse depends on many things. This includes how much you earn, what your job is like, and how far you can go in your career. The data shows big differences in salaries, with RNSAs making up to $113,214 a year.
It’s important to know the differences between roles like scrub techs, surgical first assistants, and nursing jobs. The RNFA career, for example, can pay well if you have the right skills. This makes it a good choice for some.
To make a good career choice, you need to think about the good and bad sides of each job. This includes things like how in demand the job is, how much education you need, and how far you can go in your career. Looking at salary comparisons and job outlooks can help you make a better choice in the healthcare field.
Scrub nurses earn an average of $88,207. This amount can change based on where you work, how long you’ve been doing it, and if you’re certified.
Surgical technologists, or scrub techs, make about $61,480. Their pay can vary based on their experience, where they work, and if they’re certified.
Scrub tech and surgical tech mean the same thing. They work in the operating room. Their job is to prepare and keep the area clean and sterile.
Specializing in certain areas can really boost your income. Some specialties pay more because they require more specialized skills and are in high demand.
To be a Registered Nurse Surgical Assistant, you need to be a licensed RN. You also need lots of experience in the operating room. Plus, you’ll need to get special training or a certification in surgical assisting.
Yes, scrub techs can move up in their careers. They can gain more experience, get certifications, and even take on leadership roles or specialized positions in the surgical team.
Salaries for surgical assistants can be similar to or even higher than those of nurses. This depends on their experience, certifications, and where they work.
The need for surgical team members, like scrub techs and assistants, is expected to grow. This is because more people are getting older and need more surgeries.
Yes, nurses can become surgical assistants with more education, training, and certification. They can use their nursing skills to help in the operating room.
Registered Nurse Surgical Assistants can earn a lot, with top earners making about $173,500. On average, they make around $113,214.
References
