For Educators: Military Resources
Military Surgical Assistants
Median Salary
90,958
Workforce Count
10,117
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Surgical assistants provide care, safety, and support to service members and their families before, during, and after surgery. They assist physicians and other healthcare providers by preparing the operating room, sterilizing the surgical instruments, and assisting with anesthesia. These professionals may need to assist with surgery for injuries resulting from combat or other disasters.
What is the work environment like?
Surgical assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.
How many people have this role in the Military?
10,117
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$135,433
2 Years
$91,388
6 Years
$135,433
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Surgical assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Patient care techniques
- Emergency medical treatment
- Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment
- Working on a medical team
- Basic nursing care
- Minor surgical procedures
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Methods for diagnosing diseases
- Medical management information systems
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Surgical Technology/Technologist
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Biology
- Psychology
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test