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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

UCHealth

Surgical First Assistant

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$38.72 - $58.08/hr

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) by NBSTSA; Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by NSAA; Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) by ABSA. State Surgical Assistant or Surgical Technologist ...

UCHealth

Surgical First Assistant

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$38.72 - $58.08/hr

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) by NBSTSA; Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by NSAA; Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) by ABSA. State Surgical Assistant or Surgical Technologist ...

Family Health West

Surgical First Assist (FT)

Fruita, CO · On-site

$37.96/hr

Must have current BLS, Certification as Surgical Technologist or Surgical Assist, Certified First Assist preferred. Experience: 1-2 years related experience required as a Surgical Assist REQUIRED ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$17

$39

$79

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Colorado is $39.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.59 and $43.99 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

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Colorado?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Colorado look for?

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,350 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

UCHealth

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$38.72 - $58.08/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

UCHealth (Colorado) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 454 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
Location: UCHealth UCHlth Poudre Valley Hospital, US:CO:Fort Collins
Department: PVH Operating Room
FTE: PRN, 0.0, 0.00 hours per pay period (2 weeks)
Shift: Flex
Pay: $38.72 - $58.08 / hour. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
Minimum Requirements:
  • High School diploma or GED. Surgical Technologist program.
  • Certified as a one of the following: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) by NBSTSA; Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by NSAA; Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) by ABSA. State Surgical Assistant or Surgical Technologist registration. Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider.
  • None Required.
  • Credentials:
    • Essential:
      • Certified Surgical First Assistant
      • Surgical Assistant
      • Surgical Tech
      • Basic Life Support
      • Surgical Assistant Certified
      • Certified Surgical Assisant

At UCHealth, We Improve Lives
Picture yourself on a dynamic team improving lives in the following way(s):
  • Provides top of scope practice in direct patient care utilizing the nursing process
  • Values a multidisciplinary team approach to achieve exceptional outcomes
  • Prioritizes wellness, a patient perspective and evidence-based practice
  • Models proficiency through precepting those new to healthcare and/or UCHealth
  • Welcomes new knowledge in a fast paced, innovative clinical environment
  • Contributes to secure safety and quality at the point of care

Perioperative:
  • Direct care includes practice in Perioperative, PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) or Operating Room levels of care
  • AORN and ABPANC core curriculum and certifications standards are included in evidence-based care models
  • Clinical Educators support and guide individualized specialty education and training for competency validation throughout clinical orientation.

We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth invests in its Workforce.
UCHealth offers a Three Year Incentive Bonus to recognize employee's contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, financial goals, and tenure with UCHealth. The bonus accumulates annually each October and is paid out in October following completion of three years' employment.
UCHealth offers their employees a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package (benefit eligibility is based off of FTE status):
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage including coverage for eligible dependents
  • 403(b) with employer matching contributions
  • Time away from work: paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence; start your employment at UCHealth with PTO in your bank
  • Employer-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options
  • Employer paid short term disability and long-term disability with buy-up coverage options
  • Wellness benefits
  • Full suite of voluntary benefits such as flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care, health savings accounts (available with HD/HSA medical plan only), identity theft protection, pet insurance, and employee discount programs
  • Education benefits for employees, including the opportunity to be eligible for 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees. Other programs may qualify for up to $5,250 pre-paid by UCHealth or in the form of tuition reimbursement each calendar year

Loan Repayment:
  • UCHealth is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program! UCHealth provides employees with free assistance navigating the PSLF program to submit their federal student loans for forgiveness through Savi.

UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when they do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
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