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First Assistant Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

First Assist Job Type: Permanent Minimum Guaranteed Hours: 36 JOB SUMMARY The Surgical Tech First Assistant works in a dual role as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This ...

Certified Registered Nurse specializing in First Assistant credentialed from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification preferred. Education: * Diploma from an accredited school/college of ...

Certified Registered Nurse specializing in First Assistant credentialed from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification preferred. Education: * Diploma from an accredited school/college of ...

Registered Nurse First Assist Your future role at a glance Location: Austin, TX Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center Department/Specialty: Surgery Schedule: Days | Full-time Life at Ascension:

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First Assistant information

See Austin, TX salary details

$32.2K

$132.3K

$189.8K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Austin, TX is $132,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $178,900.00 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 Austin, TX? The most popular types of First jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most First Assistant job openings:

Certified First Assist Technician

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center

Round Rock, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

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 the opportunity below: Certified First Assist Technician 

Job Summary and Qualifications

As a Certified First Assistant, you will provide aid in exposure homeostasis and other technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal patient results. You will be varied in the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility.

  • You will assist surgeons as First Assist
  • You will assist in patient positioning
  • You will prep the surgical site and drape patients within surgeon’s guidelines
  • You will place the pneumatic tourniquet and urinary catheter
  • You will assist in maintaining homeostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or any other measures
  • You will assist in retracting tissues per surgeon directive
  • You will clamp, ligation and cutting of tissue per surgeon directive
  • You will assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains
  • You will close all wound layers per surgeon directive
  • You will prepare ACL graft per surgeon directive
What qualifications you will need:
  • At least one year of work experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant- required
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent 
  • Completion of an accredited Surgical Technologist program 
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (TS-C) Tech in Surgery - Certified, or (CST) Certified Surgical Technologist
  • (CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant
Benefits

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center is a 200+ bed acute-care facility located north of Austin, Texas. This comprehensive medical center features the only hybrid operating room in the county, a 24-hour emergency department with a Level II trauma center, and leading-edge cardiac care through the Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David’s Round Rock. Patients may also receive care related to rehabilitation services, women’s services, cancer care, neurology, joint replacement and orthotics, and more when visiting this facility.

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center is part of St. David’s HealthCare, which is one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas and the third-largest employer in the Austin area. St. David’s HealthCare was formed through a unique partnership between HCA Healthcare and two local non-profits — St. David’s Foundation and Georgetown Health Foundation.

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 costs 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 Certified First Assist Technician 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.