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Average Surgical Assistants Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Surgical Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $73,320. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $66,760, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for these vital healthcare professionals within this specific region. The localized economic factors and the concentration of healthcare facilities likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,750.
  • Outlook: The job market for Surgical Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region appears robust, characterized by a substantial local workforce of 1,010 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 2.19 suggests that this area has a significantly higher concentration of Surgical Assistants compared to the national average, pointing towards a strong and sustained demand for their specialized skills within the local healthcare ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,320

The average Surgical Assistants in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+9.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.3

Weekly

$1,410

Monthly

$6,110

Surgical Assistants Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Surgical Assistants typically involves a significant salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain more years in the field, refine their skills, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential escalates. The salary distribution within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area likely reflects these percentile gaps, with senior Surgical Assistants commanding considerably higher compensation than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$47,840$23
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$54,990$26.4
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$58,240$28
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$91,650$44.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$124,750$60

Detailed Surgical Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $73,320 for Surgical Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into equivalent purchasing power when compared to the national average, making the region financially attractive for professionals in this field without the added burden of a significantly higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,010

Total Jobs

0.325

Per 1K Jobs

2.19

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 2.2x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.19, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area demonstrates a market that is more than twice as concentrated with Surgical Assistants than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers actively seek out and value the presence of a skilled workforce in this particular medical specialty.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Surgical Assistants

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Surgical Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Surgical Assistants make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Surgical Assistants in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $73,320. This typically ranges from $47,840 for entry-level positions to $124,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 9.8% higher than the national median of $66,760.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Surgical Assistants?

Yes, it is a lucrative area for Surgical Assistants.The average salary of $73,320 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Surgical Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($87,270) and others.

How does the Surgical Assistant salary in this area compare to the national average?

Surgical Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area earn an average of $73,320 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $66,760.

What is the concentration of Surgical Assistants in this region?

The region has a high concentration of Surgical Assistants, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.19, meaning there are more than double the national average of these professionals per worker.

How does the cost of living affect the salary for Surgical Assistants here?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $73,320 offers strong purchasing power for Surgical Assistants in this area.

What does the number of Surgical Assistants in the local workforce suggest?

A local workforce of 1,010 Surgical Assistants suggests a substantial and established presence of these professionals, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region's healthcare sector.

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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.325 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.