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SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient professional who works directly under the supervision of the attending surgeon to provide advanced ...

GQR

RNFA - First Assist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$1.9K/wk

First Assist RNFA Job Location: Norfolk, VA Profession: Registered Nurse First Assistant Estimated Pay: $1983.60 Duration (weeks): 13 Specialty: First Assist Shift Details: Day *Estimated weekly pay ...

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$32.5K

$133.5K

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How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in the United States is $133,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $180,500.00 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 cities are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most First Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs? The most popular types of First jobs are:
What states have the most First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for First Assistant jobs include:
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in the United States 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 $133,451 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center

Franklin, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

FT Days

Last year our HCA Healthcare colleagues invested over 156,000 hours volunteering in our communities. As a(an) Surgical First Assistant with TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center you can be a part of an organization that is devoted to giving back!

Job Summary and Qualifications What qualifications you will need:


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (SA) Surgical Assistant must be obtained within 60 days of employment start date
  • High School Graduate / GED
  • (CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant, or (SA-C) Surgical Assistant Certified

No Travel Required

3 years experience Required Years of Experience

Benefits

TriStar Southern Hills 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.

Serving our community for the past 40 years, TriStar Southern Hills has been a leader for a wide range of healthcare services. These include emergency services, cardiology, orthopedics and rehabilitation. TriStar Southern Hills is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI and a Primary Stroke Center. There are more than 300 board certified physicians representing more than 20 specialties. Many have offices located on our campus.

HCA Healthcare has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for ten consecutive years (2010-2019). In 2019, 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

Be a part of an organization that invests in you! We are reviewing applications for our Surgical First Assistant opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your application and help us raise the bar in patient care!

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.

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center logo

About TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, located in Nashville, TN, US, is a prominent institution in the healthcare industry. Their website, tristarsouthernhills.com, serves as a comprehensive platform detailing their wide range of medical services and facilities. The medical center was established with a vision to provide high-quality healthcare services tailored to the needs of the community it serves. An affiliate of TriStar Health and HCA healthcare, Southern Hills Medical Center underscores its commitment to the health and wellbeing of patients by offering a diverse bouquet of services, such as emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health among others.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

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