How to Become a Surgical Assistants in Florida
Surgical Assistants in Florida earn a median salary of $50,920/year, which is 16% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a surgical assistants takes home approximately $2,167/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a surgical assistants can afford in Florida
Becoming a surgical assistants in Florida
Meet education requirements
Surgical Assistants positions in Florida typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many surgical assistants positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for surgical assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 2,080 surgical assistants. The highest concentrations are in Jacksonville and North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota.
Surgical Assistants salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $78K | $37.31/hr | — |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $64K | $30.94/hr | — |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $56K | $27.07/hr | 100 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $53K | $25.35/hr | 540 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $52K | $25.19/hr | 100 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $50K | $24.12/hr | 50 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | $50K | $24/hr | 40 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $50K | $23.83/hr | 420 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $49K | $23.73/hr | 60 |
| Port St. Lucie | $49K | $23.53/hr | 40 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $49K | $23.53/hr | 40 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $48K | $23/hr | 60 |
| Ocala | $48K | $22.94/hr | 50 |
| Tallahassee | $46K | $22.33/hr | 40 |
Surgical Assistants salary range in Florida
Surgical Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a surgical assistants make in Florida?▼
The median surgical assistants salary in Florida is $50,920 per year ($24.48/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $60,290. Salaries range from $42,750 to $92,050.
What are the requirements to become a surgical assistants in Florida?▼
Surgical Assistants positions in Florida typically require Bachelor's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a surgical assistants afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $50,920, a surgical assistants in Florida would take home approximately $3,579/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 39.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for surgical assistants in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for surgical assistants in Florida are Jacksonville ($77,600), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota ($64,350), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($56,300). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for surgical assistants?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means surgical assistants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.