ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Middleburg, FL

Surgical First Assist Diploma Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Middleburg, FL · On-site

$33.06/hr

Surgical First Assist Diploma Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and SurgicalAssisting (NBSTSA) obtained within 12 Months (1 year) of hire date or job transfer date. * Surgical ...

Ascension

Surgical First Assistant

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$33.06/hr

Surgical Assistant credentialed from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) obtained within 12 Months (1 year) of hire date or job transfer date. * Surgical ...

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

First Assist

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

The First Assist provides intraoperative surgical assistance to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role supports the surgical team in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Florida

Surgical First Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$12

$28

$56

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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 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 16% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,525 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Parrish Medical Center

Titusville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Parrish Medical Center rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

930th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Department:
Operating Room
Schedule/Status: 
6:30am-5:00pm; Full Time
Standard Hours/Week: 
40
General Description: 
Under the general supervision of the OR Manager and under the direct supervision of the Surgery Clinical Coordinator and the OR Registered Nurse, the Certified Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The Certified Surgical First Assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.
The position shall exemplify the desired Culture of Choice® and philosophies of Parrish Healthcare. 
     
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Functions as a member of the surgical team for invasive and non-invasive procedures, maintains the integrity of the sterile field, provides for safe handling and labeling of medications and other solutions, monitors the field to provide for completion of accurate needle, sponge and instrument counts.
  • Assembles and opens supplies and equipment, prepares the OR suite for invasive and non-invasive procedures and anticipates variations of case specific supply needs.
  • Provides for safe handling of equipment/instruments to minimize damage.
  • Provides for timely room turnover, including cleansing of the surgical site, application of dressings, instrument breakdown and room decontamination.
  • Assists with patient positioning, patient transport and assists with direct patient care as appropriate.
  • Participates as a member of the emergency surgical team and responds to C-section call within 20 minutes from notification and OR call within 30 minutes from notification.
  • Maintains accuracy of specialty instrument sets, restocks specialty carts and provides updates of physician preference cards.
  • Maintains safe handling of equipment to prevent damage and loss. Marks and reports on broken/damaged instruments for replacement.
  • Participates in preparation for cases, including pulling supplies and specialty equipment.
  • Demonstrates a full knowledge of surgical procedures and functions as a member of specialty team.
  • Participates in Quality Monitoring/Performance Improvement.
  • Mentors and teaches surgical technician and first assistant students and orientees.
  • Assists with in-services and education for the perioperative team.
  • Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: retractors, sponge packing, digital tissue manipulation, suctioning, irrigating, sponging, and/or manipulation of suture materials.
  • Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
  • Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
  • Participates in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate.
  • Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
  • Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
  • Performs similar or related duties as assigned.
  • Knows fire, disaster and safety procedures and regulations as it pertains to the work area.
Requirements:
Formal Education:
  • Graduate from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA, NBCSTSA or CAAHEP.
Work Experience:
  • 1 year to < 2 years of experience as a certified surgical technologist.
Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification required.
  • BLS through The American Heart Association required. 
Full Time Benefits: 
Eligible to participate in a number of PMC-sponsored benefits, including: 
  • Benefits Start on Day 1 
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
  • 403(b) Retirement Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance 
  • EAP, Flex Spending, Accident, Critical and Other Applicable Benefits 
  • Annual Accrual of 152 Personal Leave Bank (PLB) Hours 
#PRG

What Parrish Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom