Healthcare · Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$45–55k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$68–80k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+4.5% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 4.5% from 2024 to 2034; about 7 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
Community college
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Medical Assistant / CNA
Surgical Technologists
Experienced Surgical Technologists
Senior Surgical Technologists
Department Director / CMO
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Active Listening
Active Listening is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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