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Surgical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Allied OMS LLC

Surgical Assistant

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

We seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgical Assistant to join our dynamic team at Aurora Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In this role, you will support our oral surgeons critically, ensuring ...

Allied OMS LLC

Surgical Assistant

Corona, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

We seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Surgical Assistant to join our dynamic team at Corona Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Corona, California. In this role, you will support our oral surgeons ...

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All JobsSurgical JobsSurgical Assistant JobsSurgical Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Surgical Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$65

How much do surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical assistant in Riverside, CA is $28.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $31.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical assistant?

To become a surgical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with postsecondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology or a related field. Certification from a recognized organization, like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), is often required or preferred. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What is the highest paid surgical assistant?

The highest paid surgical assistants typically work in specialized or high-demand settings, such as surgical centers or hospitals with complex procedures, and may earn higher salaries with advanced certifications or extensive experience. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and level of expertise.

Which pays more, CNA or surgical tech?

Surgical assistants typically earn higher wages than CNAs due to their specialized skills and responsibilities in assisting during surgeries. Surgical techs usually require certification and have a more technical role, which often results in higher pay compared to CNAs, who primarily provide basic patient care. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and healthcare setting.

What is the difference between Surgical Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries, work closely with surgeons in operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

While both Surgical Assistants and Surgical Technologists work in surgical settings, Surgical Assistants typically have advanced certifications and assist directly during surgeries, whereas Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and supporting the surgical team. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Assistant, you need a solid background in human anatomy, sterile technique, and surgical procedures, typically evidenced by a surgical assisting certificate or associate's degree. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and patient monitoring systems is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient surgical operations, minimize risks, and support positive patient outcomes in high-stakes environments.

What do surgical assistants do?

Surgical assistants support surgeons during procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and handling tissues or sutures as needed. They may also help with patient positioning, monitor equipment, and ensure sterile techniques are maintained throughout surgery. Certification and knowledge of surgical procedures are often required for this role.

What are surgical assistants?

Surgical assistants are trained healthcare professionals who support surgeons during operations. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, positioning patients, handing instruments to surgeons, and performing tasks such as suturing wounds or controlling bleeding under the surgeon's supervision. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Surgical assistants play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of surgical procedures.

What Is a Surgical Assistant?

A surgical assistant helps a surgeon in the operating room. Surgical assistants assess the operating area, apply sutures, insert and remove intravenous (IV) tubes, dress surgical wounds, and transport patients to and from the operating room. A surgical assistant is responsible for passing scalpels, forceps, and other medical instruments to the doctor during the surgery. Surgical assistants have completed an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, or a certificate program to train them to provide direct support during medical procedures.

What are some common challenges Surgical Assistants face during procedures, and how can they effectively manage them?

Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterile fields, anticipating the surgeon’s needs in high-pressure situations, and quickly adapting to unexpected changes during procedures. Effective communication and strong attention to detail are essential to overcome these obstacles. Building experience across various surgical specialties and proactively coordinating with the surgical team can help Surgical Assistants remain prepared and responsive, ensuring patient safety and smooth workflow in the operating room.
More about Surgical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Surgical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Surgical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Surgical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Surgical Assistant job openings:
Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,594 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Surgical Assistant II

Surgical Assistant II

Beacon Oral Specialists

Lake Forest, CA

$25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Beacon Oral Specialists rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 487 rated business services

Job description

Job Title: Surgical Assistant II
Job Location: Orange County Centers for Oral Surgery, Lake Forest, CA
Job Type: Fulltime
Summary:
Your new career awaits you...
We are looking for a diligent oral surgery assistant to support our oral surgeon before, during, and after each dental procedure. To be successful as an oral surgery assistant, you should be highly organized and attentive to patients' needs. An outstanding oral surgery assistant should have an excellent understanding of oral surgery procedures and exceptional hand-eye coordination.
Surgical Responsibilities:
  • Proper instrument cleaning in accordance with infection control and biohazard protocols.
  • Autoclave operation and function.
  • Surgical tray set-up.
  • Identification of instruments used in the clinic.
  • Room set up/break down for IV anesthesia and surgery.
  • Seat patient and perform pre-op set-up.
  • Review charts.
  • Nitrous oxide set-up.
  • Proper positioning of restraints.
  • Support airway for sedated patients.
  • Demonstrate patient calming techniques.
  • Ability to circulate and retrieve instruments.
  • Monitor patients post anesthesia.
  • Assess if patients need to see a doctor.
  • Understand emergency procedures and operation of emergency equipment.
  • Perform daily, weekly, and quarterly preventative maintenance on instruments, equipment, and headpieces.
  • Provide excellent patient care.
Non-Surgical Responsibilities:
  • Familiar with all forms and handouts (procedure-based, consent forms, etc.).
  • Aware of and in compliance with OSHA requirements (e.g. personal protection)
  • Greet patients and make them feel comfortable.
  • Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing, and charting.
  • Perform patient consultations.
  • Provide discharge instructions.
  • Make follow up phone calls to patients.
  • Take X-Rays / scans.
  • Enter EMR notes for various appointments and procedures.
  • Properly closing and opening the office each day (Tanks, Suction, Xray)
  • Back-up co-workers as needed.
Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Completion of an accredited Surgical Assistant program.
  • Certification as a Surgical Assistant.
  • Current CPR/BLS certification required.
  • Dental X-ray license (Pano, PA, CBCT) required.
  • Great organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to provide excellent patient care, even under stressful circumstances.
  • Consistent professionalism in appearance and attitude.
Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 8 hour shift
Benefits:
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Referral Program
Special Requirements:
  • Working on-site is essential to the function of this position.
  • Must be able to stand up to 80% of the time at minimum.
  • Physical requirements include sitting, stooping, turning, standing, bending, walking, hearing, reading, writing, and keyboarding, may lift up to 25 lbs.
  • This is not an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. Management may require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
Beacon Oral Specialists Management, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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