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First Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Surgical First Assist

Franklin, WI

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) preferred. Education: * High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Racine, WI

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) preferred. Education: * High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assist

Franklin, WI

$33.06/hr

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) preferred. Education: * High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative ...

Prime Time Healthcare

Travel CVOR First Assist

Madison, WI

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Prime Time Healthcare is seeking a travel CVOR First Assist for a travel job in Madison, Wisconsin. & Requirements * Specialty: CVOR First Assist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date ...

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All JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin

First Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$32.8K

$134.7K

$193.3K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Wisconsin is $134,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $182,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, candidates typically need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or environment. Some roles may require specific certifications or training, and on-the-job experience is highly valued. Developing a good understanding of the job's responsibilities and building professional relationships can also help advance to this position.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

First Assistants in film and television production can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially for high-profile projects or with extensive experience. Such roles often require specialized skills, industry connections, and the ability to work long hours on set. Other high-paying freelance or consulting roles in finance, law, or executive management can also reach this daily rate, but they typically require advanced qualifications and significant expertise.

How much do first assistants make per hour?

First assistants typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often work in fast-paced environments and may require strong organizational skills and familiarity with office tools.

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 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 lead professionals. They handle tasks such as coordinating schedules, managing equipment, and assisting with technical or logistical needs to ensure smooth operations. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of industry tools are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of First jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,700 per year, or $64.8 per hour.
Surgical First Assist

Surgical First Assist

Ascension

Franklin, WI

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,009 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 874 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We Are Hiring

Location: Franklin, WI 

Facility: Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital

Department: Surgery

Schedule: Days | Full-Time 

What You Will Do

  • Lead surgical site optimization by expertly positioning patients and utilizing stabilizing equipment to ensure maximum surgical access, clinical safety, and patient comfort.

  • Create a clear operative field through precise tissue manipulation and retraction, providing surgeons with the high-fidelity visualization necessary for successful procedural outcomes.

  • Execute advanced hemostasis techniques to manage blood flow during procedures, ensuring patient stability and the integrity of the surgical site.

  • Support the seamless transition to recovery by expertly closing body planes and securing drainage systems to promote optimal wound healing and post-operative care.

  • Collaborate as a core surgical team member to prepare specialized instrumentation and resources, ensuring the operating suite is primed for efficiency and surgeon-specific requirements.

What You Will Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) preferred.

Education:

  • High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
Additional Preferences
  • 12 hr shift, (3) day a week position with a rotating day off and variable start times between 0530-0700. Call is a requirement on weeknights, weekends and holidays
Why Join Our Team

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer does not participate in E-Verify and therefore cannot employ STEM OPT candidates.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)Various health insurance options & wellness plansRetirement benefits including employer match plansLong-term & short-term disabilityEmployee assistance programs (EAP)Parental leave & adoption assistanceTuition reimbursementWays to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Ascension logo

About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US

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