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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dignity Health

Surgical First Assist RN

Stockton, CA · On-site

$57.37 - $85.33/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical First Assist RN, you will help surgical patients across all age populations receive safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$16

$37

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in California is $37.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $41.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical field is maintained. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to help ensure surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Surgical First Assistants may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other certified professionals who have completed additional specialized training.

How do you become a surgical first assistant?

You can become a Surgical First Assistant by first getting certified as a Surgical Technologist. You can then pursue the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential to enhance your learning process as well as your professional profile. The minimum education requirement for this job is an associate degree, but some employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree prior to your certification. At your earliest opportunity, you should begin working in a medical environment, such as a hospital or clinic.

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 a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, advanced suturing techniques, and operating room technology is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate surgeons’ needs are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and optimal support for surgeons during procedures.

How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon and the entire operating room team to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include anticipating the surgeon’s needs, providing technical support such as tissue retraction, suction, and suturing, and maintaining clear communication throughout the surgery. Collaboration requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of surgical protocols. Effective teamwork is vital, as the assistant helps maintain sterile fields, manages instruments, and supports patient safety at every stage of the operation.

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

AspectSurgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating roomPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both operate in the operating room environment but differ significantly. Surgical First Assistants actively assist surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications like CSFA. Surgical Technologists prepare the OR and support the surgical team but do not directly assist during surgery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during procedures, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical techniques. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in operating rooms with a team. The role provides meaningful work in patient care and typically involves a demanding schedule with high responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need to have a healthcare background such as a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or physician assistant, along with specialized training in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Association of Surgical Assistants (AASA) is often required or preferred. Additionally, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques is essential.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services. Typically, urban areas and regions with large hospitals or medical centers offer the highest compensation, especially for those with advanced certifications and experience. Salary can also vary based on the healthcare facility and geographic demand for surgical services.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% As Needed, and 73% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,290 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assist RN

Stockton, CA • On-site

CommonSpirit Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 541 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Surgical First Assist RN

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical First Assist RN, you will help surgical patients across all age populations receive safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services so they can achieve optimal surgical outcomes and a smooth recovery throughout the perioperative continuum.

Every day you will function as an RN First Assistant during operative and invasive procedures, including assessing patients, assisting with tissue dissection and closure, and providing postoperative follow-up. You will be expected to collaborate closely with the surgical team, maintain precise documentation, and ensure patient safety through careful management of instruments and prevention of surgical site infections.

To be successful in this role you must be committed to the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care for all patient populations. This requires a strong working knowledge of performance improvement, licensure, and accreditation requirements, along with active participation in fulfilling the Mission of the Organization and consistent demonstration of its Core Values. You will also possess excellent communication and organizational skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet, and demonstrate a strong capacity for teaching, planning, and development to support the Organization's strategic plan and performance improvement initiatives.

  • Working knowledge of performance improvement, licensure and accreditation requirements
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Internet
  • Demonstrate good capacity for teaching, organizing, planning and development
  • Possess strong interpersonal communication and customer relation skills
  • Possess knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications

Job Requirements

Required

  • Current California RN License
  • BLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • ACLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • PALS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Graduate of an RN School of Nursing
  • RNFA or CRNFA certification
  • Three (3) years operating room experience as an RN or one (1) year current surgical first assistant experience required
  • Minimum fifty (50) core procedures completed within the past 24 months

Preferred

  • Three (3) years operating room experience
  • Prior Ortho and/or Cardio Thoracic experience
  • Bachelor degree in health related field
  • CNOR

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1899, Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center is a 355-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Stockton, California. Serving over 125,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level III NICU, cancer care, heart care, and a family birth center. Additionally, St. Joseph's Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center and was named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

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