Surgical first assistant vs physician assistant

The differences between surgical first assistants and physician assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physician assistant has an average salary of $118,812, which is higher than the $61,480 average annual salary of a surgical first assistant.

The top three skills for a surgical first assistant include patients, visualization and patient care. The most important skills for a physician assistant are patients, diagnostic tests, and surgery.

Surgical first assistant vs physician assistant overview

	Surgical First Assistant	Physician Assistant
Yearly salary	$61,480	$118,812
Hourly rate	$29.56	$57.12
Growth rate	6%	28%
Number of jobs	28,503	39,752
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	43	39
Years of experience	-	-

What does a surgical first assistant do?

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds. They also perform tasks such as helping patients prepare for surgeries, transporting patients to different rooms, monitoring the inventory of supplies, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. Furthermore, it is essential to implement the safety protocols and measures before, during, and after surgeries for a safe and successful outcome.

What does a physician assistant do?

The physician assistant, also known as "PA," is now considered a key player to any healthcare team. Physician assistants are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They work on several areas of medicine, from primary care to emergency service and even psychiatry. Neither they are a doctor nor a physician, but their job profile showcases many of these responsibilities. More than as assistants to the doctors, they are also equipped to examine, diagnose, and develop treatment strategies for patients.

Surgical first assistant vs physician assistant salary

Surgical first assistants and physician assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Surgical First Assistant	Physician Assistant
Average salary	$61,480	$118,812
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $92,000	Between $70,000 And $201,000
Highest paying City	McAllen, TX	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Vermont
Best paying company	Favorite Healthcare Staffing	Marshall University
Best paying industry	Health Care	Education

Differences between surgical first assistant and physician assistant education

There are a few differences between a surgical first assistant and a physician assistant in terms of educational background:

	Surgical First Assistant	Physician Assistant
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 31%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Physician Assistant
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Surgical first assistant vs physician assistant demographics

Here are the differences between surgical first assistants' and physician assistants' demographics:

	Surgical First Assistant	Physician Assistant
Average age	43	39
Gender ratio	Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4%	Male, 33.6% Female, 66.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 9.0% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 11.2% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	12%

Differences between surgical first assistant and physician assistant duties and responsibilities

Surgical first assistant example responsibilities.

Manage floor, ICU and rehab in-patients as well as respond to ER and hospital consultation.
Appropriate placement and securing of retractors.
Insert and remove Foley urinary bladder catheter.
Comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations.
Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
Assist on total knee and hip replacements as well as fracture care.

Physician assistant example responsibilities.

Manage a variety of acute and chronic conditions especially asthma, allergies, injuries, and infectious diseases.
Manage chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, ASCVD, chronic back and joint pains, depression, and anxiety.
Manage patient surgical care throughout the continuum of care from pre-op, to discharge planning, including ambulatory and hospital in-patients.
Attain pertinent history & physicals for obstetrics and gynecological acute and preventative visits.
Work closely with patients to manage their depression and anxiety beginning with initial diagnosis to med-initiation and follow-up care.
Aid in the acute management of trauma patients including obtaining appropriate studies, suturing, and CPR.

Surgical first assistant vs physician assistant skills

Common surgical first assistant skills

Patients, 14%
Visualization, 9%
Patient Care, 7%
Surgical Procedures, 7%
Surgical Technologist, 6%
Optimal Results, 4%

Common physician assistant skills

Patients, 29%
Diagnostic Tests, 6%
Surgery, 5%
Primary Care, 5%
Urgent Care, 4%
CPR, 3%

Surgical First Assistant vs. similar jobs

Surgical First Assistant related careers

Surgical First Assistant related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Surgical First Assistant
Surgical First Assistant vs Physician Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs