Surgical Assistant Salary Overview in Philadelphia, PA
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Surgical Assistant pay in Philadelphia, PA at about $73,865.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $45,070.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $120,680.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa-NJ-De-Md metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Camden, and Wilmington.
If you’re comparing Surgical Assistant salaries in Philadelphia, PA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Philadelphia, PA vs. U.S. National Average
Philadelphia, PA pays +23% vs u.s. for Surgical Assistant roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Philadelphia, PA | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA (this guide) | $73,865.0 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $60,290.0 | -18% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $48,690.0 | -34% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Surgical Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Philadelphia, PA
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Philadelphia, PA, this breakdown shows how aSurgical Assistant can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Surgical Assistant | 0-2 years | $70,339.0 | $51,099.0 - $73,865.0 | +17% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Surgical Assistant | 3-5 years | $73,865.0 | $70,339.0 - $90,395.0 | +23% vs U.S. |
| Senior Surgical Assistant | 6-10 years | $90,395.0 | $73,865.0 - $136,823 | +50% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Surgical Assistant | 10+ years | $136,823 | $90,395.0 - $166,925 | +127% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Philadelphia, PA
Nearby metro areas help show how Surgical Assistant pay changes around Philadelphia, PA. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Surgical Assistant Salary by Industry in Philadelphia, PA
Industry premiums in Philadelphia, PA usually come from employers that place the Surgical Assistant role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services | $86,290.0 | $41,110.0 - $162,750 | Stronger salary |
| Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $66,300.0 | $39,480.0 - $128,820 | Stronger salary |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $60,290.0 | $39,540.0 - $102,190 | Stronger salary |
| Educational Services | $56,460.0 | $50,960.0 - $75,210.0 | Competitive |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $37,870.0 | $34,530.0 - $60,540.0 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Surgical Assistant Salary in Philadelphia, PA
Entry-level Surgical Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Surgical Assistant salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Surgical Assistant Pay in Philadelphia, PA
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Surgical Assistant candidates in Philadelphia, PA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $72,387.7 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $75,342.3 | Metro dependent | Philadelphia, PA employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $73,865.0 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Philadelphia, PA
A salary in Philadelphia, PA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Surgical Assistants in Philadelphia, PA
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Surgical Assistant pay tends to be strongest in Philadelphia, PA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Philadelphia, PA Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherPhiladelphia, PA is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Surgical Assistant work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Surgical Assistant Salary Trends in Philadelphia, PA Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PA is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($65.2K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Philadelphia, PA
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 25.3k → 26.6k |
| Typical education | Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
| Related experience | Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Local market anchor | 270 jobs with a median of $73,865.0 |
Factors Affecting Surgical Assistant Salary in Philadelphia, PA
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Surgical Assistant Salary in Philadelphia, PA
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Surgical Assistant Salary in Philadelphia, PA: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Surgical Assistant" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PAs salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PAs salary?⌄
How much can senior Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PAs professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PAs salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Surgical Assistant in Philadelphia, PAs salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.