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Surgical First Assist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Jimmy Jazz

First Assist Surgical Tech

Kalkaska, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified First Assistant (CST/CFA). * Previous surgery experience preferred. * BLS required. Summary Are you interested in a career where you ...

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$32

$66

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in Michigan is $32.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $36.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assist?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assist?

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 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.

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.

How long does it take to become a surgical first assist?

Becoming a surgical first assist typically requires completing a relevant healthcare degree, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner program, which takes about 2-4 years. Additionally, gaining specialized surgical assisting training and certification, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential, can take several months to a year after completing the educational requirements.

What can a surgical first assistant do?

A surgical first assistant supports surgeons during procedures by providing exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, and suturing. They work under the surgeon's supervision, often requiring certification and knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques to ensure patient safety and efficient operation flow.

What degree do you need to be a surgical first assist?

To become a surgical first assist, individuals typically need to have a healthcare-related degree such as a registered nurse (RN), physician assistant (PA), or surgical technologist certification, along with specialized training and experience in surgical procedures. Many states also require certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).

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 with large hospitals and medical centers. States or cities with a higher volume of complex surgeries and advanced medical facilities often offer increased compensation for experienced surgical first assistants. Factors like certifications, experience, and working in specialized surgical environments also influence earning potential.

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For Surgical First Assist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:

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Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,259 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

McLaren Health Care Corporation

Petoskey, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

McLaren Health Care rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

534th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sign on Bonus $10,000
Normal duties of the Surgical First Assistant "as defined by the American College of Surgeons, the Surgical First Assistant provides exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patients. This role may vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area and type of facility." The Surgical First Assistant demonstrates advanced knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Certification as a surgical technologist which provides evidence of meeting national standards in the performance of duties which demonstrates the capability of training new Colleagues/orientees.
• Scrubs for cases according to established sterile procedures and changes into appropriate operative attire; dons sterile gown and gloves and assist surgeon with same.
• Assists surgeon with draping of patient maintaining sterile technique. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure. Assists in providing hemostasis to the surgeon.
• Passes instruments, sponges, sutures and other sterile supplies and equipment as needed. Expedites the operative procedure by anticipating the needs of the surgeon
• Receives surgical specimens, places in appropriate container and fixative (if required) at end of procedure.
• Counts sponges, needles and instruments according to MNM policy 301700.
• Cleans surgical suite according to established protocol ensuring that all disposable items are placed in the appropriate bags, i.e. Biohazard Red bags for any items containing blood or body fluids.
• Utilized appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes.
• Under the direction of the surgeon the Surgical First Assistant may be responsible to procure in vivo conduits (i.e. greater and lesser saphenous veins, arm veins and radial arteries) and other duties.
• Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed by surgeon.
Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program. Credentialed by the LCC-ST as a certified first assistant.
• Certification as a certified first assistant. Must maintain certification status through required continuing education in related field.
• CST with current certification and 2 full years of first assisting experience during the last 4 years with a documented 350 surgical cases. CST with current certification who has completed an approved first assistant program and can document 350 surgical cases.
• Documentation of a minimum of 150 surgical cases within the defined specialty area. Documentation or demonstration of other advanced-level expertise related to a defined specialty area.
• BLS Certification

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