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First Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SSM Health

Physician Assistant

Madison, WI

$100.80K - $136.60K/yr

Will review new/recent graduates who have rotations in trauma or general surgery including first assist experience * Master's degree physician assistant with PA-C * ATLS/ACLS certification

UW Health

Physician Assistant - Otolaryngology

Madison, WI

$100.80K - $136.60K/yr

Gerontology and RN First Assist preferred. * If Physician Assistant: Active PA license in State of Wisconsin AND active PA board certification. All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant ...

UW Health

Physician Assistant - Otolaryngology

Madison, WI

$100.80K - $136.60K/yr

Gerontology and RN First Assist preferred. * If Physician Assistant: Active PA license in State of Wisconsin AND active PA board certification. All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant ...

SSM Health

Physician Assistant

Madison, WI

$100.80K - $136.60K/yr

As the ideal candidate, you would have surgical first assist experience and a strong attraction to the operating room. Must be able to function and thrive within a high-functioning team. The new ...

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First Assistant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$32.8K

$134.5K

$193K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Madison, WI is $134,489.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant, such as an executive or personal assistant, can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience, strong organizational skills, and sometimes specialized knowledge. High-level assistants in corporate or entertainment industries may reach this income level, especially with overtime, bonuses, or working for high-net-worth clients.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A First Assistant in certain industries, such as film or theater, can earn around $3,000 a month depending on experience and workload. Other roles like administrative assistants, sales representatives, or skilled trades workers may also reach this income level without a formal degree, often requiring on-the-job training or certifications. Income varies based on location, industry, and experience.

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 cities near Madison, WI are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most First Assistant job openings:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,489 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Surgical First Assist Technologist Certified

Surgical First Assist Technologist Certified

SSM Health

Janesville, WI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

SSM Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 515 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

526th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling
WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville
Worker Type:
Regular
Job Highlights:
Sign-on Bonus: Please speak with your recruiter about sign on bonus eligibility!
Schedule Options: Part Time (on call shifts required)
Benefits: Competitive, affordable health insurance including but not limited to:
  • Getting paid every day!
  • Access up to $5,250 in tuition coverage per year
  • Adoption assistance
  • Various competitive health insurance options & wellness plans
  • Retirement benefits including employer matching plans
  • Long & short-term disability
  • Employee assistance programs (EAP)

*Please note, benefits and eligibility can vary by position, exclusions may apply.
#CoreHire
Job Summary:
Assists surgeons skillfully during a variety of surgical procedures.
Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon. Provides exposure of operative site through use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
  • Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques. Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
  • Anticipates and plans individualized care based on advanced knowledge of the surgical procedure and anticipates unexpected patient and surgeon needs.
  • Prepares equipment, supply and resource needs based on an individualized plan of care. Re-evaluates and modifies resource needs as needed.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform all aspects of a variety of surgical procedures. Utilizes critical judgment to analyze patient assessment data to develop an appropriate plan of care.
  • Performs in a variety of surgical specialties as needed.
  • Demonstrates competence in delegation, problem solving, conflict resolution, and team building. Evaluates care given by team members and gives feedback. Maintains accountability for standard of care provided. Acts as a resource to other team members.
  • Demonstrates and maintains knowledge and skills necessary to meet physical, psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, and age appropriate needs of each patient.
  • Organizes and utilizes time efficiently. Demonstrates appropriate prioritization. Maintains an organized work environment.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively on a team. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, multidisciplinary team members and co-workers.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
  • Associate's degree or Clinical Certification

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years' experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Constant use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Constant use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Constant lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Frequent lifting/moving patients.
  • Frequent bending, stooping, reaching and gripping.
  • Frequent use of clear vision at 20 inches or less.
  • Frequent use of speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing over 50 lbs.
  • Occasional use of clear vision at 20 feet or more.
  • Occasional use of sitting, squatting, twisting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional keyboard use/data entry.
  • Rare kneeling.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
  • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
  • And
  • Certified First Assistant - American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
  • Or
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Work Shift:
Variable Shift (United States of America)
Job Type:
Employee
Department:
4403000026 Operating Room
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
24
Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Explore All Benefits
SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.

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