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Surgical First Assist information

See Indiana salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Indiana is $35.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $39.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Surgical First Assist, you need extensive knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, usually backed by a clinical degree and certification such as the CSA or CSFA. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and electronic medical records is essential. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure patient safety, effective teamwork, and optimal surgical outcomes.

What are Surgical First Assists?

Surgical First Assists, also known as surgical first assistants or first surgical assistants, are healthcare professionals who provide direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include helping with patient positioning, maintaining a sterile field, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical team's efficiency and safety. They work closely with surgeons and other operating room staff to optimize patient outcomes and may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other trained professionals with specialized surgical training.

Is surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a trained healthcare professional who supports surgeons during procedures, requiring certification and strong knowledge of surgical techniques. The role offers steady employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, making it a viable and rewarding career in healthcare. Job prospects are generally good due to ongoing demand for surgical support staff in hospitals and surgical centers.

How much does a surgical 1st assistant make?

Surgical first assistants typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certified surgical assistants with specialized skills and certifications tend to earn higher salaries, especially in urban hospitals or specialized surgical centers.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

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

While both roles support surgical teams, Surgical First Assistants actively assist during procedures and have advanced certifications, whereas Surgical Technologists primarily prepare the operating room and assist in non-sterile tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit within surgical settings.

What does a first assistant do in surgery?

A surgical first assistant supports the surgeon during procedures by providing exposure, holding retractors, suctioning, and assisting with suturing and tissue handling. They must have knowledge of surgical techniques, sterile procedures, and often hold certifications such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).

What are some typical challenges a Surgical First Assist might face during procedures, and how can they be addressed?

Surgical First Assists often encounter fast-paced, high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial. Challenges may include anticipating the surgeon's needs, maintaining sterility in unpredictable situations, and effectively communicating with the surgical team. To address these, developing strong situational awareness, enhancing technical skills through ongoing training, and fostering open communication with colleagues are essential. Proactively preparing for each case and participating in pre-operative briefings can also help mitigate common challenges.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with large healthcare facilities. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in hospitals or surgical centers also influence earning potential.
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What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs in IN? For Surgical First Assist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Lutheran Hospital of Indiana

Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Lutheran Hospital (Fort Wayne) rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

713th of 1,053 rated hospitals

Job description

Job Description

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Position Type: Full Time - 40 hours a week M-F 6:30am-5p; Call/holiday/weekend rotation required

Benefits:

  • up to 25K SIGN ON BONUS
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Student Loan Repayment: Up to 10,000
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
     

Job Summary 
The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures, ensuring efficient operative and invasive procedures by maintaining the sterile field, providing necessary instruments and supplies, and assisting in critical surgical tasks. This role requires advanced technical skills to support the surgical team, including positioning patients, retracting tissues, controlling bleeding, suturing, and applying dressings. The Surgical Technician First Assist collaborates with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes and post-operative care. 
Essential Functions

  • Functions as a scrub person during surgical procedures, preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining an organized sterile field, and providing necessary instruments and supplies to the surgical team.
  • Performs first assistant duties, including providing exposure through instrument handling, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques as directed by the surgeon.
  • Handles and dissects tissues, clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, and places drains as instructed by the surgeon.
  • Assists with wound closure, including suturing subcutaneous layers and skin, applying staples, and dressing surgical sites per surgeon instructions.
  • Ensures sterility and safety standards, conducting proper counting procedures with the RN circulator, following infection control protocols, and taking corrective actions if needed.
  • Prepares and transports surgical instruments for decontamination, ensuring proper handling and sterilization for future use.
  • Assists in post-procedure room turnover, ensuring procedural areas are properly cleaned and prepared for subsequent surgeries.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

  • 1-3 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or First Assist in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Proficiency in surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and sterile field maintenance.
  • Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural workflows.
  • Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly to intraoperative changes.
  • Strong attention to detail in surgical counting procedures, patient positioning, and procedural safety.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills, ensuring smooth collaboration with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers.
  • Knowledge of infection control standards, regulatory compliance, and patient safety guidelines.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure surgical environment, demonstrating composure and professionalism.

Licenses and Certifications

  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required and
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA required or
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NSAA required
  • BCLS - Basic Life Support required
  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred

What Lutheran Hospital (Fort Wayne) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Lutheran Hospital logo

About Lutheran Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lutheran Hospital, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US, operates in the healthcare industry providing wide-ranging medical services to the community. Its official website can be found at lutheranhospital.com. Lutheran Hospital has a rich legacy of addressing the region's healthcare needs since its founding. The hospital is committed to delivering quality care and services across various departments such as emergency medicine, surgical services, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences, and women's health. An important aspect of their mission is to enhance the health status of the people they serve, delivered in a way which upholds their values of compassion, quality, justice, stewardship, and respect.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1903

Social media

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