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First Assistant Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

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First Assistant information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$28.6K

$117.3K

$168.3K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Lexington, KY is $117,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,600.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 environment. Some roles may require specific certifications or training, depending on the industry standards. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial.

How much do first assistants make?

First assistants in Florida typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require strong organizational skills and proficiency with office tools to perform their duties effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Lexington, KY?

The most popular types of First jobs in Lexington, KY are:

What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Lexington, KY with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,279 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Frankfort Regional Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description


Shift: Days

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:Surgical First AssistantFrankfort Regional Medical Center

Benefits

Frankfort Regional 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 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(an) Surgical 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

The First Assistant is responsible for providing patient care of the surgical patient under the direction of the Surgeon.    


What you will do in this role:     


  • You will assist in preparing the operating room and perform assigned support duties during surgical procedures. You will assist in the turnover of the OR room

  • You will check all instruments for workability prior to usage, displaying knowledge of instrument and content of set.   


  • You will provide retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique.   


  • You will assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement of ties, placement of suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.   


  • You will assist with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life threatening events in the operating room   


  • You will perform any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and as directed by the surgeon.  


What qualifications you will need:    


  • (CSFA) Current KY licensure or National Certification Certified First Assistant licensure through nationally certified and/or state-licensed certification to practice


  • Vocational School Graduate of Accredited Surgical Technologist educational program   


  • Current BLS required.   


  • One-year surgical assistant experience preferred.  


  • Must be competent in first assisting responsibilities in an OR setting.   

Frankfort Regional Medical Center has provided quality healthcare services for over 40 years. We give patient's access to trained physicians and advanced technology. Our 170+ bed hospital is one of the region's leading acute care facilities in Central Kentucky. Frankfort Regional has built an excellent reputation for outstanding subspecialty services. In addition, we have an exceptional network of quality primary care physicians in both family practice and internal medicine. We are consistently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky.

At Frankfort Regional Medical Center, our care like family culture extends to our patients, our people and our community. We are committed to each other because when we join together, our patients are cared for in the safest and most compassionate way.

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 Surgical 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.


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