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Certified Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medworks

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

About the Role Medworks is seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant to support surgical procedures across hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in the Seattle, WA area. This is a mobile role ...

HiredFirst

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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Certified Surgical First Assistant information

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$62

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

As of Jul 16, 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, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

St. Rose Dominican Siena

Henderson, NV • On-site

$43.37 - $60.12/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical First Assistant, you will provide critical patient care by directly assisting the surgeon during operative procedures, working under their immediate direction. You will instrumental in ensuring a safe surgical experience through technical support for exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure.
Every day you will collaborate closely with the surgical team, performing duties under the guidance of the operating surgeon, circulating nurse, and reporting to your designated Team Leader. This involves a range of assigned tasks to support the surgical process effectively.
To be successful, you will demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency in assisting the surgeon, maintaining acute awareness of the surgical field and patient safety.

  • In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care.
  • The surgical assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.
Job Requirements

Required

  • Completion of CAAHEP accredited first assist program and/or evidence of preceptorship of 140 operative cases as surgical first assist and/or evidence of previous experience in the role of a Certified First Assist.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
  • Completion of an Accredited Surgical First Assist Program with Certification as a Surgical First Assist
  • Current Certified Surgical Technologist with completion of a CAAHEP accredited first assist program
  • BLS-American Heart Association
  • CT CSFA = Certified Surgical 1st Assist-Nat'l
  • CT ORT = Certified Surgery Tech-Nat'l
  • Both the Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified Surgical First Assist certification(s) must be provisioned through the NBSTSA
  • Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.

Preferred 

  • 4 years Certified Surgical Technologist.
  • Surgical First with experience to include, but not limited to Robotic, Surgical, General, Neurosurgery, Spinal, Orthopedic; Cardiovascular, Thoracic, GYN, and Urology.
  • CST and CSFA certification(s) provisioned through the NBSTSA preferred, but may be grandfathered in compliance with current Nevada Revised Statues.
Where You'll Work

Hello Humankindness

Join Siena Hospital: Impacting Lives, Locally and Nationally

At Siena Hospital, you'll become an integral part of Dignity Health Nevada, the only not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare system in the region. For over 70 years, guided by the Adrian Dominican Sisters' inspiring vision, we have proudly delivered compassionate, high-quality care to the Henderson and Las Vegas communities, always prioritizing the needs of the underserved.

Our modern Siena Campus, a 326-bed acute care hospital, opened in 2000. It significantly expanded the vital services initially established by our Rose de Lima Campus, effectively meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our growing community.

Your impact, however, extends far beyond our local communities. We are also a proud member of CommonSpirit Health, a national leader operating over 2,200 care sites across 24 states. This vast network provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and making a profound difference on a grander scale, collectively impacting nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents.

If you are driven by an unwavering commitment to social justice, passionate about achieving health equity for all, and eager to contribute your talents to new, innovative ways of delivering compassionate care within a deeply collaborative and supportive environment, then your search ends here. Welcome to Siena – and welcome to a career of meaningful impact.

Qualifications:

Required

  • Completion of CAAHEP accredited first assist program and/or evidence of preceptorship of 140 operative cases as surgical first assist and/or evidence of previous experience in the role of a Certified First Assist.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
  • Completion of an Accredited Surgical First Assist Program with Certification as a Surgical First Assist
  • Current Certified Surgical Technologist with completion of a CAAHEP accredited first assist program
  • BLS-American Heart Association
  • CT CSFA = Certified Surgical 1st Assist-Nat'l
  • CT ORT = Certified Surgery Tech-Nat'l
  • Both the Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified Surgical First Assist certification(s) must be provisioned through the NBSTSA
  • Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.

Preferred 

  • 4 years Certified Surgical Technologist.
  • Surgical First with experience to include, but not limited to Robotic, Surgical, General, Neurosurgery, Spinal, Orthopedic; Cardiovascular, Thoracic, GYN, and Urology.
  • CST and CSFA certification(s) provisioned through the NBSTSA preferred, but may be grandfathered in compliance with current Nevada Revised Statues.
Employment Type: Full Time

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