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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

TRS Healthcare

Travel First Assist Technician

Kailua, HI · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

OR - Operating Room Surgical Tech First Assist About TRS Healthcare TRS Healthcare has been a leader in the healthcare staffing industry for over 25 years, providing exceptional career opportunities ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Hawaii salary details

$17

$39

$78

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Hawaii is $39.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.20 and $43.46 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 Hawaii?

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

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,367 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Coast Medical Service

Kailua, HI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Coast Medical Service is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Kailua, Hawaii.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Surgical First Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: 09/21/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel

Coast guarantees stipend payments for facility-initiated call-offs and on-call shifts, giving you added peace of mind throughout your assignment

Coast Medical Service is a nationwide travel nursing & allied healthcare staffing agency dedicated to providing an elite traveler experience for the experienced or first-time traveler. Coast is featured on Blue Pipes' 2023 Best Travel Agencies and named a 2022 Top Rated Healthcare Staffing Firm & 2023 First Half Top Rated Healthcare Staffing Firm by Great Recruiters. Please note that pay rate may differ for locally based candidates. Please apply here or contact a recruiter directly to learn more about this position & the facility, and/or explore others that may be of interest to you. We look forward to speaking with you!

Coast Medical Service Job ID #37912118. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Allied:Surgical First Assistant,07:00:00-19:00:00

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About Coast Medical Service

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Coast Medical Service is a nationwide travel nursing agency dedicated to providing an elite traveler experience for the experienced or first-time traveler. Coast is featured on Blue Pipes' Top 20 Travel Agencies of 2022 at #10, and named a 2022 Top Rated Healthcare Staffing Firm by Great Recruiters. Please apply here or contact a recruiter directly to learn more about this position & the facility, and/or explore others that may be of interest to you. We look forward to speaking with you!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Hermosa Beach, CA, US

Year founded

1979

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