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Surgical First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phelps Health

Surgical First Assistant

Phelps, NY

The Surgical First Assistant is a professional caregiver who works with Anesthesia, surgeons, and other surgical personnel in patient care before, during and after surgery. The Surgical First Assist ...

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SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient professional who works directly under the supervision of the attending surgeon to provide advanced ...

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Surgical First Assist information

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$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in the United States is $37.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $41.83 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.

What cities are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:

What states have the most Surgical First Assist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical First Assist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs look for?

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

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs?

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

Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

TriStar Skyline Medical Center

Nashville, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description


Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Certified Surgical First Assistant? At TriStar Skyline Medical Center, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years. 


Benefits 


TriStar Skyline Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: 


  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation. 


  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more. 


  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing 


  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service) 


  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock 


  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance. 


  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more 


  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts 


  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships 


  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships) 


  • Colleague recognition program 


  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence) 


  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income. 


Learn more about Employee Benefits 


Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location. 


You contribute to our success. Every role has an impact on our patients’ lives and you have the opportunity to make a difference. We are looking for a dedicated Certified Surgical First Assistant like you to be a part of our team. 


Job Summary and Qualifications 


The Certified First Assistant is an active member of the healthcare team in the operating room. Responsible for assisting the healthcare team in assessing the needs of the patients, infancy through life span, and for organizing and planning care sufficient to meet identified needs during the preoperative and intra-operative phase. Pre-operative patient management is, included but not limited to, communicating with other healthcare providers regarding the patients’ plan of care. Intra-operatively, included but not limited to, using instruments/medical devices, providing exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis and suturing. The CFA may be asked to precept/mentor others within his/her realm of expertise. 


What qualifications you will need: 


  • High School Graduate / GED 


  • Minimum of 3 years experience preferred 


  • Certified as a Surgical First Assistant (CSFA by the NBSTSA) 


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support, or CPR must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date 



TriStar Skyline Medical Center is a 250+ bed facility. We are Tennessee's first comprehensive stroke center and a national leader in neuroscience. In addition, we are equipped with 3 helipads, new ICU and Medical/Surgical floors, and burn care services. We offer a CARF accredited Inpatient Rehabilitation program and are an ACS verified Level II Trauma Center. As an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, TriStar Skyline is a leading provider of emergency heart care. 


"Good people beget good people."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. 
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder 


We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Certified Surgical First Assistant opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.Submit your resume today to join our community of caring! 


We are an opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

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