Surgical Assistant salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Surgical Assistants in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area earn a median of $50,410 a year ($24.24 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $34,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,880 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $66,800. Pay here is 17% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $60,550. The average (mean) salary is $53,650, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for surgical assistants in Pittsburgh, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,410 | $16.55 |
| 25th percentile | $44,380 | $21.34 |
| Median | $50,410 | $24.24 |
| 75th percentile | $58,250 | $28.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,880 | $36.96 |
| Average (mean) | $53,650 | $25.79 |
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 | $4,200.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,100.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,938.85 |
| Weekly | $969.42 |
| Hourly | $24.24 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,410 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $67,080 | n/a |
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 Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $45,170 | $21.72 |
| Athletic Trainer | $56,510 | — |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $62,380 | $29.99 |
| Genetic Counselor | $99,030 | $47.61 |
| Registered Nurse | $82,370 | $39.60 |
| Physicians, All Other | $187,680 | $90.23 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $63,060 | $30.32 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $41,780 | $20.09 |
| Pharmacist | $134,180 | $64.51 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $45,210 | $21.74 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $47,610 | $22.89 |
| Physician Assistant | $125,230 | $60.21 |
| Physical Therapist | $97,750 | $46.99 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $43,240 | $20.79 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Pittsburgh, PA
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 Pittsburgh, PA?
The median salary for surgical assistants in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area is $50,410 a year, or $24.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,880 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid surgical assistants make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The top 10% of surgical assistants in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area earn at least $76,880 a year. The top 25% earn $58,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for surgical assistants in Pittsburgh, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,410 a year, and a quarter of surgical assistants earn $44,380 or less.