ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Assistant Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Brevard, NC · On-site

Submit your application for our First Assistant opening with Mission Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team. Benefits Mission Hospital, offers a total ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Asheville, NC · On-site

Submit your application for our First Assistant opening with Mission Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team. Benefits Mission Hospital, offers a total ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Brevard, NC · On-site

Introduction Do you have the career opportunities as a First Assistant Operating Room you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Mission Hospital which is ...

Focus Staff

Travel OR First Assist

Asheville, NC · On-site

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/07/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel We currently have a client in ASHEVILLE, NC looking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in North Carolina

First Assistant information

See North Carolina salary details

$29.5K

$121.3K

$174K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in North Carolina is $121,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, typically you need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or role. Some positions may require specific certifications or training, and gaining experience through entry-level roles can help advance to a first assistant position.

What is a first assistant?

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in North Carolina? The most popular types of First jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,281 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Mission Hospital

Brevard, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Mission Hospital (Asheville) rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

780th of 1,058 rated hospitals

Job description

Introduction

Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual is recognized. Submit your application for our First Assistant opening with Mission Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team.

Benefits

Mission Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

We are seeking a First Assistant for our team to ensure that we continue to provide all patients with high quality, efficient care. Did you get into our industry for these reasons? We are an amazing team that works hard to support each other and are seeking a phenomenal addition like you who feels patient care is as meaningful as we do. We want you to apply!


Job Summary and Qualifications

Supports department by providing direct patient care by assisting the surgeon in wound exposure, hemostasis, suturing and other technical functions during surgical procedures to achieve desired surgical outcomes. Aids perioperative team by scrubbing and caring for the patient before, during and after surgical intervention. 

Required Education: 

Candidate must have one of the following degrees: Graduate of an approved surgical technology program. Associate of Science degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Science. Graduate of a National Surgical Assistant Association approved Surgical Assistant Program 

Required License:

Surgical Technician - current certification as a Certified First Assistant, current BLS certification *Surgical Assistant - current certification as a Certified Surgical Assistant, current BLS certification *If training other than surgical technology, please refer to criteria as stated on the CSA professional organization website www.nsaa.net. 

Required Experience: One year practicing as a CFA or CSA

Mission Hospital is located in Asheville, North Carolina. This is Mission Health's flagship hospital, licensed for 815 beds. Healthgrades named Mission Hospital as of one America's 50 Best Hospitals from 2020-2023. Mission Hospital is in the top 1% of hospitals in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade recognized Mission Hospital with an "A," nationally recognizing Mission Hospital's achievements in protecting patients and providing safer healthcare. Mission Hospital also earned the prestigious Magnet® Designation in November 2020. This is the highest international honor that distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous nursing excellence standards. We are the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care. We are the region's only Level II trauma center. Mission Hospital also includes Mission Children's Hospital. The region's only children's hospital - providing 30 pediatric sub-specialists. We're the busiest surgical hospital west of Raleigh, North Carolina. We are the second-busiest in the state. Mission Hospital provides the only open heart and interventional cardiology in the region. We are the only Cyberknife provider west of Raleigh.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you find this opportunity compelling, we encourage you to apply for our First Assistant opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly contacted by a member of our team. We are interviewing apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

What Mission Hospital (Asheville) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply