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Surgical First Assistant information

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$12

$28

$56

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Florida is $28.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

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 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 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.

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.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

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.

More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Florida? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,525 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Surgical First Assist

Surgical Institute of Central Florida LLC

Winter Garden, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Surgical First Assist

Location: The Surgical Institute of Central Florida 12363 W. Colonial Drive STE 100, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct intraoperative assistance to the surgeon by maintaining optimal exposure of the surgical site through retraction, positioning, suctioning, and visualization techniques.
  • Assist with hemostasis using appropriate methods and instruments as directed by the surgeon.
  • Perform tissue handling, suturing, ligation, stapling, and wound closure within scope of practice and credentialing.
  • Prepare and maintain sterile fields in the operating room to ensure aseptic technique throughout surgical procedures.
  • Anticipate surgeon needs and facilitate efficient progression of surgical procedures.
  • Handle, organize, and manage surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment before, during, and after procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and surgical technologists to promote safe and efficient operating room workflows.
  • Participate in patient positioning, skin preparation, and draping while ensuring patient safety and preventing injury.
  • Assist in achieving and maintaining infection prevention standards and compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Support intraoperative documentation and communication as required by facility policy.
  • Monitor, maintain, and restock operating room supplies as needed to support procedural readiness.
  • Adhere to all facility policies, procedures, credentialing requirements, and quality assurance standards.
Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Current certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), Surgical Assistant–Certified (SA-C), or equivalent nationally recognized Surgical First Assistant credential required or eligible within a specified timeframe.
  • Current certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent surgical background preferred.
  • Completion of an accredited Surgical First Assist program required.
  • Previous operating room experience required, including demonstrated proficiency in surgical procedures and sterile technique.
  • Advanced knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, operative procedures, and surgical instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated competency in tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, hemostasis techniques, and intraoperative assisting practices within scope of certification.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required (ACLS preferred if applicable to facility).
  • Strong understanding of infection prevention standards, aseptic technique, and surgical safety regulations.
  • Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment while maintaining precision and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Commitment to patient safety, surgical excellence, and high-quality perioperative care.