1

Surgical First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SURGICAL FIRST ASSIST

Lewes, DE · On-site

$28.83/hr

Pet Insurance Overview The Surgical First Assist provides direct support to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role involves assisting in surgery, performing specific tasks under the ...

Pet Insurance Overview The Surgical First Assist provides direct support to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role involves assisting in surgery, performing specific tasks under the ...

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Overview Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room $7,500 Sign-on Bonus for Experienced SFAs $5,000 Sign-on Bonus for New Grad SFAs Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview:

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Surgical First Assist information

See salary details

$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 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.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs? For Surgical First Assist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Surgical First Assist

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 intraoperative support. This role extends beyond traditional assisting — it requires a forward-thinking mindset focused on innovation, efficiency, and collaboration across the surgical continuum. The SFA serves as a key resource in developing and implementing process improvements, integrating new technologies, and advancing surgical outcomes. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon include but are not limited to: incision, dissection, clamping, cutting, tying, providing hemostasis, insertion of laparoscopic ports, and closure of body planes & skin. The SFA collaborates closely with all surgical team members to facilitate through-put and optimize safe patient care. They may function in the scrub role for a variety of surgical procedures as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Clinical Excellence & Intraoperative Support
    • Performs all functions of a Surgical First Assist including exposure, hemostasis, suturing, tissue handling, and wound closure under the surgeon's direction.
    • Anticipates surgeon needs throughout each procedure, ensuring instruments, supplies, and devices are ready for immediate use.
    • Maintains sterile technique and ensures patient safety and positioning integrity at all times.
    • Proactively identifies opportunities to improve case efficiency and instrument utilization.
  • Innovation & Process Improvement
    • Collaborates with surgical leadership and vendors to trial new technologies, instruments, and minimally invasive techniques.
    • Participates in multidisciplinary performance improvement initiatives, including reduction of turnover times, standardization of instrument trays, and cost-efficiency efforts.
    • Contributes to digital documentation workflows, assisting in implementing systems that optimize case tracking, inventory, and data analytics.
    • Provides feedback on new devices or methods that enhance precision and patient outcomes.
  • Education, Mentorship & Leadership
    • Serves as a clinical mentor to surgical technologists, residents, and nursing staff.
    • Participates in orientation and education of new team members and cross-trained staff.
    • Engages in continuing education to stay current on advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative best practices.
    • Promotes a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and patient-centered innovation.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork
    • Partners with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and perioperative staff to coordinate and execute high-quality surgical care.
    • Assists in the preparation for surgical cases, assuring that supplies, equipment and instruments are available and in working order prior to the start of each case.
    • Assists the surgical team in the transport, transfer and positioning of patients in the operating room.
    • Participates in pre-op briefings and post-op debriefings to evaluate case flow and identify improvement opportunities.
    • Assists in maintaining supply and equipment inventory.
    • Communicates proactively and professionally across the care team to ensure seamless patient experiences.
    • On-call duties as scheduled.
    • Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C) / RNFA credential required.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of surgical experience; advanced proficiency in multiple specialties preferred (e.g., Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, General, or Robotics).
  • Strong understanding of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and anatomy.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate technology and process improvement into practice.
  • Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.

Insight employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs. Insight is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity!