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First Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

First Assist

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

The First Assist provides intraoperative surgical assistance to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role supports the surgical team in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Middleburg, FL · On-site

Surgical First Assist Diploma Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service ...

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First Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$24.3K

$99.7K

$143.1K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Florida is $99,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,300.00 and $134,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are First Assistants?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

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

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

What's the easiest hospital job to get?

The easiest hospital job to get is often a patient transporter or hospital aide, which typically requires minimal formal education and on-the-job training. These roles usually have high turnover and may not require certifications, making them accessible entry-level positions in healthcare settings.

How much do first assistants make per hour?

First assistants typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often work in fast-paced environments and may require skills in organization and communication.

What are some common challenges First Assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and advanced healthcare facilities, such as metropolitan areas or states with strong medical industries. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of surgeries also influence earning potential, with those working in specialized or high-demand surgical fields typically earning more.

What does a first assistant do?

A first assistant is a key member of a production team, often in film or theater, responsible for supporting the director or producer by managing schedules, coordinating communication, and assisting with logistical tasks. They may also handle administrative duties, oversee daily operations, and ensure the smooth flow of the project. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of production processes are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Florida? The most popular types of First jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities in Florida with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,727 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
First Assistant

First Assistant

United Surgical Partners International Inc (USPI)

Spring Hill, FL

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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

Certified First Assistant PRN 

Florida Springs Surgery Center is a multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center conveniently located off of US Highway 19 on the west coast of Florida.

Our specialties include:
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Total Joint Replacement
• Hand and Upper Extremity
• Neurosurgery

Position Overview:

  • 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.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cauterizing wounds and vessels
  • Packing sponges in the body
  • Positioning the patient to maintain circulation and access for the surgeon
  • Placing clamps and sutures
  • Closing skin with adhesives, sutures or staples, etc.
  • Applying direct pressure on veins and tissue
  • Performing or aiding in patient suction, drainage, and irrigation
  • Hemostasis: The stopping of excess bleeding and blood flow
  • Immobilizing patients on the operating table
  • Possess a working knowledge of operating room procedures with respect to attire, infection control, sterile technique, maintaining integrity of the sterile field, and draping the surgical patient within the surgeon’s guidelines.
  • Provide operating room support to physicians and surgeons, including assisting surgeons during procedures and passing require instruments during surgery.
  • Comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations.
  • Communicates effectively and courteously with visitors, physicians, and their office staff, patients, and employees. Maintains patient, physician, and employee privacy and confidentiality per policy.
  • Complies with Policies & Procedures and adheres to safety guidelines to ensure a safe work and patient care environment.
  • Serves as a resource to other members of the health care team.

What We Offer

As a valued member of USPI, your health and well‑being are important to us. We are proud to provide you and your dependents with valuable and significant benefits. USPI knows the value of well-rounded, balanced employees, which is why we offer a variety of additional benefits to help manage life’s daily stresses.

  • Competitive wages 
  • Opportunities to better yourself professionally 
  • Health, Dental & Vision Coverage 
  • 401(k) retirement plan 
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) 
  • Company Paid Holidays 
  • Employee Assistance Programs 
  • Health Savings Account/ Flexible Spending Account 
  • Education Assistance 
  • Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability Insurance 
  • Travel Assistance when 100+ miles from home for business or vacation 
  • Free parking

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and health care 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.


Required Skills:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification is required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is 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.

Required Skills
Required Experience

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