Skip to content
AffordMap
Healthcare · North Carolina

How to Become a Surgical Assistants in North Carolina

Surgical Assistants in North Carolina earn a median salary of $50,880/year, which is 16% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a surgical assistants takes home approximately $1,974/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$51K
Median salary in North Carolina
-16%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
890
Employed in North Carolina

What a surgical assistants can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$50,880
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$3,386/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home41.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$50,880/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,974/mo

Becoming a surgical assistants in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Surgical Assistants positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many surgical assistants positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for surgical assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 890 surgical assistants. The highest concentrations are in Raleigh-Cary and Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.

Surgical Assistants salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Raleigh-Cary$65K$31.21/hr250
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$52K$24.97/hr
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$51K$24.46/hr210
Winston-Salem$40K$19.01/hr60
Greenville$39K$18.98/hr40
Durham-Chapel Hill$39K$18.52/hr

Surgical Assistants salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$51K
75th percentile
$65K
90th percentile (senior)
$65K
View jobs for Surgical Assistants
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
More openings for Surgical Assistants
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
Advance your nursing career
Online BSN and MSN programs — 45% off select certificates
View →
Full surgical assistants salary breakdown in North Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in North Carolina
After federal + 4.5% state tax
Calculate →
Compare North Carolina cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Surgical Assistants careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a surgical assistants make in North Carolina?

The median surgical assistants salary in North Carolina is $50,880 per year ($24.46/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $60,290. Salaries range from $38,510 to $64,910.

What are the requirements to become a surgical assistants in North Carolina?

Surgical Assistants positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a surgical assistants afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $50,880, a surgical assistants in North Carolina would take home approximately $3,386/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for surgical assistants in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for surgical assistants in North Carolina are Raleigh-Cary ($64,910), Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton ($51,930), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($50,880). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for surgical assistants?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $50,880 salary, this means roughly $2,290/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.