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Surgical First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Schertz, TX

The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Cibolo, TX

The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First ...

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How much do surgical first jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical first in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Surgical First Assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons during operations to provide direct patient care. Their responsibilities include helping to control bleeding, suturing incisions, exposing the operative area, and ensuring the surgical field remains clear. They play a critical role in supporting the surgical team, improving surgical outcomes, and enhancing patient safety. Surgical First Assistants may be nurses, physician assistants, or other trained medical professionals who have received specialized training in surgical procedures.

How does a Surgical First Assistant typically interact with the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the surgeon and collaborating with the entire operating room team. During procedures, they work closely with surgeons to provide direct patient care, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and ensuring optimal visualization of the surgical field. They also communicate regularly with nurses, anesthesiologists, and technologists to maintain a safe and efficient environment, often anticipating the needs of the surgeon and proactively addressing potential challenges. This high level of teamwork requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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

To thrive as a Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and typically hold a certification such as CSFA or CFA after completing an accredited program. Proficiency with surgical instruments, retractors, suturing techniques, and familiarity with operating room technology are crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure set outstanding assistants apart. These competencies ensure patient safety and efficiency during surgeries, directly impacting surgical outcomes.

What is the difference between Surgical First vs Surgical Assistant?

AspectSurgical FirstSurgical Assistant
CertificationsTypically requires surgical technician or assistant certificationsRequires surgical technician or assistant certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in operating rooms, assisting during surgeriesWorks alongside surgeons, assisting with procedures and patient care
Job RolePrepares operating rooms, sterilizes equipment, assists during surgerySupports surgeons during procedures, manages instruments, patient positioning

Both Surgical First and Surgical Assistant roles involve assisting in the operating room and require similar certifications. However, Surgical First often focuses more on preparing the environment and sterilization, while Surgical Assistants are more involved in directly supporting surgeons during procedures. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path in surgical support roles.

More about Surgical First jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical First jobs? Cities with the most Surgical First job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical First jobs? The most popular types of Surgical First jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First jobs are:
Surgical First jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Surgical First Assistant

Surgical First Assistant

United Surgical Partners

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

United Surgical Partners International rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

St. Thomas Surgery Center – Midtown is Hiring a Certified Surgical First Assistant

No Weekends, no call, no Holiday!

Welcome to St. Thomas Surgery Center – Midtown! At Saint Thomas Surgery Center - Midtown, we believe that health and compassionate care are inseparable.

Our mission is to treat every patient and their family as if they were our own—delivering exceptional care with dedication and compassion, every time, without exception.

Certified Surgical First Assistant at St. Thomas Surgery Center – Midtown

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.

What We Offer
As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are
At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.

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