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Certified Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Certified Surgical First Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.1K - $2.3K/wk

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) | Portland, OR Join a leading healthcare organization committed to delivering exceptional surgical care. Adventist Health Portland is seeking a skilled and ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Cibolo, TX · On-site

Surgical First Assistant certification * SA-C - Surgical Assistant, Certified through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) * CSA - Certified Surgical Assistant through the National ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Schertz, TX · On-site

Surgical First Assistant certification * SA-C - Surgical Assistant, Certified through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) * CSA - Certified Surgical Assistant through the National ...

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How much do certified surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified surgical first 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.

How much does a surgical 1st assistant make?

A certified surgical first assistant typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. They assist surgeons during procedures, often requiring certification and specialized training, and may work full-time or on a per-case basis.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as urban areas with large hospitals and medical centers. States or cities with a higher volume of complex surgeries and advanced medical facilities often offer increased compensation for experienced assistants with certifications and strong skills. Salary variations are also influenced by hospital size, specialty, and the assistant's level of experience.

What does a certified surgical first assistant do?

A certified surgical first assistant supports surgeons during operative procedures by providing exposure, handling tissues, and assisting with suturing and other tasks. They work in operating rooms, often requiring certification and knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) requires completing a surgical assisting program, gaining hands-on experience, and passing a certification exam. The process involves dedication, technical skills, and knowledge of surgical procedures, making it a challenging but achievable career path for those committed to healthcare and surgery. Certification standards ensure that assistants are well-prepared for the demands of the role.

What are Certified Surgical First Assistants?

Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who work alongside surgeons during surgical procedures. Their primary role is to provide direct assistance in the operating room, which can include tasks such as suturing incisions, controlling bleeding, and ensuring the operative field remains clear. CSFAs have advanced knowledge of surgical techniques and sterile procedures, and they help optimize patient outcomes by supporting the surgical team. They are required to obtain certification through accredited programs and by passing a national examination. CSFAs often work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Surgical First Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Surgical First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree and certification (such as CSFA or CSA). Proficiency with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic documentation systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and positive outcomes during operative procedures.

What are some common challenges Certified Surgical First Assistants face during surgical procedures, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Certified Surgical First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing situations in the operating room, maintaining clear communication with the surgical team, and managing high-pressure or unexpected complications. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong situational awareness, excellent teamwork skills, and a deep understanding of surgical protocols. Proactively anticipating the surgeon's needs and staying calm under pressure are key strategies that help CSFAs support positive patient outcomes and maintain a smooth workflow during procedures.

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

AspectCertified Surgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CSFA), specialized trainingPost-secondary education, certification (e.g., CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during surgeriesPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities

The Certified Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both support surgical teams but differ in responsibilities. The CSFA actively assists during surgeries, requiring advanced certification, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and assist indirectly. Both roles are vital in surgical settings, with CSFAs having more direct patient contact and technical duties.

More about Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Certified Surgical First Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs are:
Certified Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Surgical First Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Certified Surgical First Assistant

Certified Surgical First Assistant

United Surgical Partners International Inc (USPI)

Franklin, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

United Surgical Partners International rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Franklin Surgery Center is Hiring a Certified Surgical First Assistant

Welcome to Franklin Surgery Center! Franklin Surgery Center performs a broad range of outpatient surgical procedures. Our mission is to care for every patient and their family as if they were our own. Each patient, each family, each and every time.  

Certified Surgical First Assistant at Franklin Surgery Center

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Orthopedic experience required.  
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.
  • Willing to train new grads

What We Offer

As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of, our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.

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