Okay, let’s tackle this. So Mary has 16 years of experience as a First Surgical Assistant, which is a specialized role requiring strong clinical skills. Her experience in patient care and medical procedures is valuable, but the role is also relatively entry-level compared to other surgical positions. She also has a BSN degree, which is a plus. However, the rate for a First Surgical Assistant is typically lower than for more senior surgical roles. Considering the location (New York, NY) and her experience, I estimate her hourly rate to be around $45, which is below the national average for surgical assistants in the US. This rate is more in line with what you might expect for a less experienced or entry-level surgical assistant.