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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 Aug 27, 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.
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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 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,290 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon - First Assist

Tenet Health

Modesto, CA • Hybrid

$600K - $850K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Tenet Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 894 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group invites a skilled Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist to join their established and growing team at Doctors Medical Center, a 465-bed regional referral center. This full-time, employed position offers the opportunity to work in a high-acuity program with cutting-edge technology, including an active TAVR program, ECMO capabilities, and a hybrid OR. The role emphasizes collaborative, team-based care within a state-of-the-art surgical environment, supported by dedicated staff and advanced resources.

Practice Info

  • Full-time, employed position with Central Valley Doctors Health System Physician Group
  • Primarily inpatient-focused with some outpatient follow-up
  • Work within a state-of-the-art surgical environment featuring a Hybrid OR and Xi Da Vinci robotic system (3 units on site)
  • Active TAVR program and ECMO capabilities
  • Dedicated cardiothoracic nursing teams, CV PAs, and RNFAs
  • Collaborative team includes cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiology, perfusion, nursing, and ICU teams

Responsibilities

  • Cardiothoracic Surgical First Assist role supporting open and minimally invasive cases
  • Call participation aligned with the cardiothoracic surgery team

Compensation

  • Compensation ranging from $600,000-$850,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
  • CME allowance
  • Malpractice insurance provided
  • Deferred compensation program
  • Relocation assistance

Benefits

  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Health, dental, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer matching

Shift & Schedule

  • Monday-Friday OR schedule, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM

Requirements

  • MD or DO degree required
  • Completed surgical training with experience functioning as a first assist
  • Prior cardiothoracic surgery experience strongly preferred
  • Board eligible or board certified (or equivalent surgical board eligibility)
  • California licensed or eligible to obtain licensure in California

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