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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 4, 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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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.

Orthopedic Surgical Physician Assistant

Dignity Physician Careers

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Dignity Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 287 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Opportunity Criteria
Specialty:
Surgery
Loan Repayment:
Negotiable
Salary Range:
$160,000.00 to $180,000.00 / Year
Employment Type:
Not Specified
Bonus Offered:
Negotiable
Job Description
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Surgical First Assist Physician Assistant (PA), you will join Dignity Health Medical Group - Sequoia , supporting our surgical services and driving the expansion of surgical volumes across multiple disciplines
You will provide comprehensive surgical and clinical support, with an initial focus on our Orthopedic program. This role offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between clinic and operating room, helping to grow surgical capacity not only in Orthopedics, but also expanding your scope to support General Surgery and Urology as the program evolves.
To be successful in this role, you will be a proactive, versatile, and collaborative clinician with a commitment to surgical excellence, patient safety, and cross-functional teamwork. You will thrive in an environment that values innovation and high-quality outcomes.
  • Provide expert surgical 1st assist coverage in the operating room, primarily for Orthopedics, with expansion into General Surgery and Urology.
  • Expertly close surgical incisions across deep dermal and subcuticular skin layers using advanced suturing techniques to promote optimal wound healing and minimal scarring.
  • Independently position patients correctly and safely for various orthopedic surgical procedures.
  • Manage new, pre-operative, and post-operative patients within the clinic setting to optimize surgical readiness and recovery.
  • Collaborate with surgeons and multidisciplinary staff to streamline workflows, increase surgical throughput, and elevate the patient experience.
  • Partner with leadership to identify and implement strategies that grow surgical volumes across the service lines.
We are offering the following incentives to eligible new hires:
  • Competitive Annual Salary: $160,000 - $180,000 (DOE)
  • Comprehensive benefits package for provider and family
  • Opportunity to work across diverse surgical specialties
  • Collaborative, team-based environment in a premier facility
Job Requirements
Required:
  • Board-certified Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Active or eligible license in the state of California
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • 1+ years of recent relevant surgical experience
  • Ability to close deep dermal surgical incisions
Where You'll Work
San Mateo County is a highly desirable and family-friendly place to live. The weather is remarkably mild year-round, with an average temperature of 68 degrees. The communities are located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. Known for their wooded hills, views of the San Francisco Bay, and stretches of open space, there are quiet residential communities in the midst of the culturally and technologically rich San Francisco Bay area.
Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit® , one of the nation's largest health systems dedicated to advancing health for all people. #HEC
Pay Range
$160,000 - $180,000 /year
Contact Information
Contact:
Anjeleah Avila (Gotiong)
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Click here to e-mail.
* When making contact with the person who posted this opportunity, please tell them you saw their posting on PracticeMatch.
2026-488293

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About Dignity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We welcome the chance to help you feel your best. Excellent, affordable health care, delivered with compassion, is what we stand for. Since our founding in 1986, we've made it our goal to create environments that meet each patient's physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We also believe this healing philosophy promotes the wellbeing of our staff and the places they serve. Dignity Health is made up of more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in 21 states. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California. Through teamwork and innovation, faith and compassion, advocacy and action, we endeavor every day to keep you happy, healthy, and whole.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

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