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Certified Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MedHQ

Certified Surgical Assistant

Norfolk, VA

$45/hr

The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) works as a 1st or 2nd assistant to the surgeon and under the direction and supervision of that surgeon may perform specific significant surgical tasks. Duties ...

MedHQ

Certified Surgical Assistant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45/hr

The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) works as a 1st or 2nd assistant to the surgeon and under the direction and supervision of that surgeon may perform specific significant surgical tasks. Duties ...

MedHQ

Certified Surgical Assistant

Norfolk, VA

$45/hr

The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) works as a 1st or 2nd assistant to the surgeon and under the direction and supervision of that surgeon may perform specific significant surgical tasks. Duties ...

Baptist Health

Certified Surgical Assist

Louisville, KY · On-site

Matthews area Full Time | First Shift The Certified Surgical Assistant provides direct support to the supervising surgeon(s) in the management and care of surgical patients. Working under the direct ...

Baptist Health

Certified Surgical Assist

New Albany, IN · On-site

Summary Baptist Health Medical GroupCertified Surgical Assistant Surgical Assistant Pool New Albany, Indiana Full Time | First Shift The Certified Surgical Assistant provides direct support to the ...

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How much do certified surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified surgical assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is surgical assisting a good career?

Surgical assisting is a stable healthcare career that involves supporting surgeons during procedures, requiring certification and strong attention to detail. It offers opportunities for employment in hospitals and surgical centers, with a typical work schedule that can include irregular hours. The role provides a meaningful way to contribute to patient care and surgical success.

What is a certified surgical assistant?

Certified Surgical Assistants (CSAs) are allied health professionals who support surgeons during surgical procedures. They perform tasks such as preparing the operating room, assisting with patient positioning, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring a sterile environment. CSAs work under the supervision of surgeons and are vital members of the surgical team, helping to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. To become a CSA, individuals must complete specialized training and obtain certification through an accredited program.

What is the difference between Certified Surgical Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectCertified Surgical AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification, post-secondary education, and clinical trainingPost-secondary education or diploma, certification often optional or through CST credential
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during surgeries in hospitals and surgical centersPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and assist in setting up surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, surgical clinics, outpatient centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

Certified Surgical Assistants and Surgical Technologists both work in surgical settings, but CSAs assist directly during procedures and require specific certification, while Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and assisting indirectly. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

Where do certified surgical assistants make the most money?

Certified surgical assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and specialized surgical centers. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in private practices or teaching hospitals.

What challenges do certified surgical assistants face in the operating room, and how are they addressed?

Certified Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing surgical situations, managing multiple tasks under pressure, and maintaining effective communication with the surgical team. To address these challenges, CSAs rely on their training, strong attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Ongoing collaboration and clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and other team members are crucial for ensuring patient safety and the smooth flow of procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a certified surgical assistant?

To thrive as a Certified Surgical Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, typically backed by a surgical assisting certification and clinical experience. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operative technology, and electronic medical record systems is crucial for this role. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in the operating room. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and delivering efficient, high-quality care during procedures.

What does a certified surgical assistant do?

A certified surgical assistant supports surgeons during procedures by preparing the operating room, handling instruments, and assisting with patient positioning. They ensure sterile techniques are maintained and may perform tasks such as suturing or tissue handling under supervision, often working in hospitals or surgical centers. Certification ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe and effective assistance.

What qualifications do you need to be a certified surgical assistant?

To become a certified surgical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a surgical assisting training program, and certification from a recognized organization such as the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Relevant skills include knowledge of sterile techniques, anatomy, and surgical procedures, and some roles may require prior healthcare experience or licensure depending on the state or facility.
More about Certified Surgical Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified Surgical Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Certified Surgical Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Surgical Assistant jobs include:
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Certified Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Certified Surgical Assistant

Sentara Healthcare

Suffolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 398 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

City/State
Suffolk, VA
Work Shift
Multiple shifts available
Overview:
Additional Job Description
Sentara Ambulatory Surgery BelleHarbour is hiring a Certified Surgical Assistant I in Suffolk, Virginia. This is a full-time position.
Sign on bonus up to 7,500 (new grad) - 15,000- Experienced (1 year) available for qualified candidates.
Schedule: 7am-4pm Monday-Friday. No call requirement, no holidays, and no weekends!
The Certified Surgical Assistant anticipates the needs of the surgical team, the Surgical Assistant assists the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, set up of various tables and positioning equipment, providing retraction for visualization of surgical site, cauterization of bleeding vessels, suturing and closure of incision, instillation of medications, application of surgical dressings, splints, and casts. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant uses effective interdisciplinary communication to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.
Education
  • TS - Trade School Graduate CAAHEP - Surgical Assistant (required)

Certification/Licensure
  • Licensed Surgical Assistant - Virginia (required)
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - Certifications - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) OR
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - Certifications - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Experience
  • 3 years of Operating room experience (preferred)
  • Demonstrates in depth clinical and technical skills in surgical fields
  • Participate in departmental improvement efforts preferred
  • Uses effective interdisciplinary communication to facilitate optimal patient outcomes required

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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