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Surgical Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Oral Surgery Dental Assistant

Livonia, MI

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Join our dynamic and thriving dental practice as a Oral Surgery Dental Assistant! At Great Expressions Dental Centers, we're seeking an energetic and motivated individual to join our team and ...

We are now hiring a Part-time Surgical Technologist to assist Physician(s) and the Nurse Manager by preparing, maintaining and anticipating instrument and procedural needs for all surgical procedures ...

Under direct supervision, and according to established policies and procedures, performs a variety of duties in the OR and related areas to assist the surgical team. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ...

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Surgical Assistant information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$12

$25

$57

How much do surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical assistant in Rochester, MI is $25.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $27.64 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.
What job categories do people searching Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Surgical Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Surgical Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical Assistant job openings in Rochester, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,578 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Part Time General Surgery | Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant | Henry Ford Providence Novi Ho

Part Time General Surgery | Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant | Henry Ford Providence Novi Ho

Henry Ford Health System

Novi, MI • On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location: HF Providence Novi Hospital | 47601 Grand River Ave Novi, MI 48374
Status: Part-Time | Days (20 hours per week)
Schedule: Two 13.5 hour shifts week and one 13-hour shift week. Shifts are Monday - Friday with additional night/weekend on-call for OR surgical assisting.
Setting: 100% Inpatient & ED Consults | Mostly Adult patients with occasional pediatric age of 14 and up.
Call/Weekends:
Weekend: on-call only. Approx. 1 weekend day per month, scheduled in advance.
Call: on-call from home approx. 3 times per month. Report in only for OR surgical assisting. Scheduled in advance, report time is 1-hour.
Position Overview:
Henry Ford Health System is seeking a part-time Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to join our General Surgery team. This opportunity offers exposure to a fast-paced, highly skilled surgical service supporting specialties including general, HPB, colorectal, vascular, thoracic, breast, and select plastic surgery cases.
Responsibilities include daily rounding on pre- and post-operative patients, progress notes, order entry, bedside procedures, ED and inpatient consults, surgical first assisting as needed, and collaboration with residents and attending surgeons. The role also includes rotating at-home call coverage for emergent overnight, weekend, and holiday OR cases (1-hour response time).
Frequent opportunities exist to perform bedside procedures including I&Ds, wound debridement, chest tube placement, central line placement, Foley catheter placement, and wound VAC management.
Why Henry Ford Health
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Supportive, collaborative systemwide team
• Meaningful impact on employee health and safety
Employment contingent upon credentialing and completion of Employee Health screening per HFHS policy.
Qualifications:
  • PA graduate from an accredited program
  • NP graduate from an accredited program AND prior surgical assist experience.
  • Current Michigan licensure
  • National certification (ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA)
  • BLS required; ACLS required (or obtained after hire)
  • Prior surgical 1st assist experience, required.
  • 2 years of prior surgical 1st assist experience, experience with bedside procedures, wound debridement, chest tube placement, central line placement, foley catheter placement wound vac placement, preferred.
  • 2 years prior acute care experience, preferred.

Education & Training
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Completion of a Nurse Practitioner program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Physician Assistant (PA): Completion of a Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Licensure
Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in the State of Michigan, or in the process of applying (proof of application required)
Certification
NP: National certification by a certification body recognized by the State of Michigan (e.g., ANCC, AANP)
PA: Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Required Certifications
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) - required
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - required (may be obtained after hire)

DEA / Controlled Substance Licensure
  • PA: DEA and Michigan Controlled Substance License (CSL) required through credentialing
  • NP: DEA registration required through credentialing; NPs do not hold a Michigan CSL and will use their Michigan license number during the application process

What Henry Ford Health employees say

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915