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First Job Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Leonardo DRS

Assembler - 1st Shift

Germantown, MD

$19.48 - $24.36/hr

No Shift: 1st Job Summary DRS RADA Technologies is hiring an Assembler to join its 1st shift team at our Germantown, MD location. This position is full time and on-site. Job Responsibilities

Leonardo DRS

Assembler - 1st Shift

Germantown, MD · On-site

$19.48 - $24.36/hr

No Shift: 1st Job Summary DRS RADA Technologies is hiring an Assembler to join its 1st shift team at our Germantown, MD location. This position is full time and on-site. Job Responsibilities

Leonardo DRS

Assembler - 1st Shift

Germantown, MD

$24.36/hr

No Shift: 1st Job Summary DRS RADA Technologies is hiring an Assembler to join its 1st shift team at our Germantown, MD location. This position is full time and on-site. Job Responsibilities

Leonardo DRS

Assembler - 1st Shift

Germantown, MD · On-site

$19.48 - $24.36/hr

No Shift: 1st Job Summary DRS RADA Technologies is hiring an Assembler to join its 1st shift team at our Germantown, MD location. This position is full time and on-site. Job Responsibilities

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How much do first job jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for first job in Washington is $50,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $54,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first job?

First jobs are typically entry-level positions that individuals take early in their careers, often as their initial work experience. These roles can range from part-time or temporary jobs to internships and apprenticeships in various industries. First jobs help people develop basic workplace skills, build their resumes, and gain valuable insights into their career interests. They can also provide a stepping stone to more advanced positions as individuals gain confidence and experience. Many people use their first job as an opportunity to learn about professional expectations, teamwork, and time management.

What are some common challenges people face in their first job and how can they overcome them?

Starting your first job can come with challenges such as adapting to a professional environment, managing time effectively, and learning workplace expectations. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking feedback, asking questions, and observing experienced colleagues can help you adjust more smoothly. Building strong communication skills and being proactive in your responsibilities will also support your growth. Remember, most employers appreciate a willingness to learn and a positive attitude as you develop your skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in your first job, and why are they important?

To thrive in your first job, you generally need basic organizational skills, reliability, and a willingness to learn, along with any specific educational or training requirements for the position. Familiarity with common office software, point-of-sale systems, or role-specific tools may also be necessary. Strong communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help new employees stand out and adapt quickly. These qualities are crucial for building a solid professional reputation, meeting expectations, and setting the foundation for future career growth.

What is the best job to get as a first job?

The best first job often depends on individual interests and goals, but entry-level positions such as retail associate, food service worker, or administrative assistant are common starting points. These roles typically require minimal experience, help develop basic skills like communication and time management, and may offer flexible schedules. Gaining experience in these roles can also provide a foundation for future career advancement.

What cities in Washington are hiring for First Job jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most First Job job openings:

First Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Job job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,018 per year, or $24 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Inova

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 888 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7:00pm or Five 8hrs shifts-7:00am-3:00pm, on-call requirement for nights, weekends, and holidays. We offer great pay based on experience, sign-on bonus and relocation assistance, if eligible! Plus, don't forget about our other amazing benefits and perks! 

Inova is consistently ranked as a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation. 

Inova Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities

Surgical Technologist 2 Job Responsibilities:

  • The Surgical First Assistant ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development in life-long learning. 
  • Provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice, serves as a resource preceptor, and mentor. 
  • Provides safe therapeutic care by collaboration with surgeons and health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. 
  • Utilizes standards, guidelines and pathways for care delivery. 
  • Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes. 
  • Teamwork-communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others and has respect for and understanding other clinical disciplines. 
  • Serves as a resource in at least 2 specialty areas/procedures.
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education:  Completion of Surgical First Assistant program through an accredited organization; or Medical school graduate with surgical training; or completion of a surgical assistant training program during military service in the United States.
  • Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Surgical First Assistant; or 2 years of Surgical Technologist experience
  • Certification: Basic Life Support from American Heart Association required upon start.
  • License: Licensed as Surgical Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia required upon start

Preferred experience:

  • AAS in Surgical Assisting or Surgical Technologist
  • Experience in laparoscopic and robotic procedures, total joints, and neurology preferred.

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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