Surgical Assistant salary in Columbus, OH
Surgical Assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $46,270 a year ($22.25 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,580 for the top 10%. That is 31% lower than the national median of $66,800. Pay here is 40% lower than the Ohio statewide median of $77,450. There are 0.16 surgical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $62,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for surgical assistants in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,380 | $18.93 |
| 25th percentile | $39,730 | $19.10 |
| Median | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| 75th percentile | $83,880 | $40.33 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,580 | $48.84 |
| Average (mean) | $62,280 | $29.94 |
Half of surgical assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,855.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,927.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,779.62 |
| Weekly | $889.81 |
| Hourly | $22.25 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Surgical Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $102,730 | 200 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $97,800 | 70 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $84,750 | 60 |
| Cleveland, OH | $74,140 | 280 |
| Akron, OH | $65,130 | 80 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $63,740 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for surgical assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $123,390 |
| Arizona | $111,170 |
| Colorado | $107,440 |
| Nevada | $100,820 |
| New Jersey | $90,710 |
| South Carolina | $85,580 |
| Kentucky | $84,600 |
| Tennessee | $81,640 |
| Oregon | $80,450 |
| Illinois | $80,210 |
See Surgical Assistant pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $83,580 | $40.19 |
| Athletic Trainer | $61,420 | — |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $61,510 | $29.57 |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $40.34 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $61,910 | $29.76 |
| Physicians, All Other | $214,760 | $103.25 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,580 | $59.89 |
| Pharmacist | $133,960 | $64.40 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $62,240 | $29.92 |
| Physical Therapist | $105,130 | $50.54 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $80,200 | $38.56 |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $46.58 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $45,790 | $22.02 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-9093. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a surgical assistant make in Columbus, OH?
The median salary for surgical assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area is $46,270 a year, or $22.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid surgical assistants make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of surgical assistants in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $101,580 a year. The top 25% earn $83,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for surgical assistants in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,380 a year, and a quarter of surgical assistants earn $39,730 or less.
How many surgical assistants work in Columbus, OH?
About 180 surgical assistants are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.