SalaryNode

Average Surgical Assistants Salary in Tennessee

Surgical Assistants in Tennessee are earning an impressive average annual salary of $77,520, which notably surpasses the national average of $66,760. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of specialized demand within the state and the overall economic landscape that supports higher pay for skilled healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $77,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,010 Surgical Assistants, Tennessee demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.07. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for Surgical Assistants within the state, making it an attractive market for those in this specialized field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$77,520

The average Surgical Assistants in Tennessee earns+16.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.3

Weekly

$1,491

Monthly

$6,460

Surgical Assistants Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Career progression for Surgical Assistants in Tennessee typically involves a clear salary scale. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this advancement, rewarding expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$43,400$20.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$58,140$28
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$78,330$37.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$96,900$46.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$107,720$51.8

Detailed Surgical Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$77,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$85,752

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $77,520 in Tennessee offers substantial purchasing power, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing Surgical Assistants to enjoy a better standard of living compared to many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

1,010

Total Jobs

0.307

Per 1K Jobs

2.07

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Tennessee has 2.1x the national concentration of Surgical Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 2.07 signifies that Surgical Assistants are more than twice as concentrated in Tennessee compared to the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially high demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare sector, suggesting a competitive yet abundant job market for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Surgical Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Surgical Assistants Salary$88,710↑ 14%29 mi
Huntsville, AL Surgical Assistants Salary$44,200↓ 43%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

Hiring Surgical Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Surgical Assistants make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Surgical Assistants in Tennessee is $77,520. This typically ranges from $43,400 for entry-level positions to $107,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 16.1% higher than the national median of $66,760.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Surgical Assistants?

Yes, Tennessee is a lucrative place for Surgical Assistants.Surgical Assistants in Tennessee earn approximately $10,760 more annually than the national average, coupled with a cost of living that is below the national average.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Surgical Assistants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($88,710) and Huntsville, AL.

How does the Surgical Assistant workforce compare nationally?

Tennessee has a higher concentration of Surgical Assistants than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.07, indicating a strong presence in the state's job market.

What is the average salary for a Surgical Assistant in Tennessee?

The average annual salary for a Surgical Assistant in Tennessee is $77,520, which is considerably higher than the national average.

Is the cost of living in Tennessee favorable for Surgical Assistants?

Yes, with a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living than the national average, making the $77,520 salary more impactful.

How many Surgical Assistants are employed in Tennessee?

There are approximately 1,010 Surgical Assistants employed within Tennessee, reflecting a significant local workforce in this specialized role.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.307 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Surgical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee