1

Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Travel CVOR First Assist

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

Surgical First Assistant,08:00:00-18:00:00 Benefits * Weekly pay * Holiday Pay * 401k retirement plan * Referral bonus * Medical benefits * Dental benefits * Vision benefits

Travel CVOR First Assist

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) About Uniti Med Uniti Med meticulously matches your talents to our open needs to ensure the ultimate travel experience. Tell us where you want to go and let our ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical First Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Indiana is $35.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $39.81 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.

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

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

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

First Assist Technician

Medical Solutions Direct Hire

West Terre Haute, IN • On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Medical Solutions Direct Hire is seeking a First Assist Technician for a job in West Terre Haute, Indiana.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist Technician
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Staff

Pay: $51,833.60 – $77,750.40 per year

Surgical First Assist (SFA) Opportunity – Terre Haute, Indiana

Direct Hire | Full-Time | Day Shift

A well-established, community-focused hospital system in Terre Haute, Indiana is hiring a Surgical First Assist (SFA) for a permanent, full-time role in the Operating Room. This position offers a consistent weekday schedule, hands-on involvement in complex surgical procedures including cardiovascular and vascular cases, and long-term career growth within a collaborative surgical team.

Position Overview

· Permanent, full-time role
· 40 hours per week
· Day shift schedule
· Hospital-based operating room environment
· Team-based surgical care model
· Exposure to cardiovascular, vascular, and general surgical procedures

Shift Details

· Standard shift: 7:00a – 3:30p
· Rotating schedule structure
· Weekend and evening call required

Compensation & Incentives

· Salary range: $51,833.60 – $77,750.40 annually (based on experience)
· Comprehensive benefits package
· Paid time off starting day one
· Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually
· 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
· Career advancement pathways and internal growth opportunities
· Success sharing and additional employee incentives

Key Responsibilities

· Collaborate with the RN and surgical team to plan and execute operative procedures
· Assist surgeons intraoperatively, including open heart and vascular procedures
· Prepare and manage surgical instruments and sterile field
· Anticipate surgeon needs during procedures and ensure efficiency
· Support patient safety, positioning, and intraoperative care
· Maintain a strong understanding of surgical equipment and techniques
· Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams throughout procedures

Requirements

· Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program
· Certification as an Operating Room Technician / First Assistant (Required)
· CST certification (Preferred)
· Active BLS certification (Required)
· Minimum of 2 years of surgical experience preferred
· Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced OR environment

Why This Opportunity

This role is ideal for a Surgical First Assist who wants to stay hands-on in the OR while gaining exposure to higher-acuity procedures like cardiovascular and vascular surgery. The team is collaborative, well-supported, and focused on quality patient outcomes—making it a strong long-term fit for someone looking to grow their surgical career without sacrificing stability.

Why Terre Haute, Indiana

· Affordable cost of living compared to major metro areas
· Short commute times and easy day-to-day travel
· Strong healthcare community with long-term stability
· Access to Indianapolis and other regional hubs
· Family-friendly environment with a growing local economy

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

· Health insurance
· Dental insurance
· Vision insurance
· Paid time off
· Retirement plan (403b with match)
· Tuition reimbursement
· Career advancement opportunities

Work Location: In person

About Medical Solutions Direct Hire

At Medical Solutions, we’re people who care, helping people who care. No matter how you look at it, there’s a whole lot of care going on in our world and that’s just the way we like it. What do we do? Medical Solutions is one of the nation’s largest providers of total workforce solutions in the healthcare industry, connecting nurses and allied health clinicians with hospitals and healthcare systems across the country and around the corner. Through our family of brands, we also serve a segment of clients outside of the healthcare space. And we’re the very best at what we do. You’ll love our culture that’s filled with heart and soul. As a company and employer, we’re sincerely and unabashedly us. We lead as humans first and believe the unique qualities of each team member make us better together. We share a purpose for helping others and the drive to make a difference. And we offer endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, throughout your career. At Medical Solutions, you’ll find a great place to work and a career home. We’ve received Best Places to Work awards, landed top industry awards, and received accolades for the impact we’ve made in business and within our community. But the only way to really get to know us, is to join us. We think you’ll fit right in.