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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

Indiana University Health

Carmel, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Ensure the presence and proper arrangement of surgical equipment, supplies, and instrumentation in the operating room prior to each operation and maintain readiness for emergency procedures.

  • Provide first line assistance to the surgeon during surgical procedures as allowed by professional and legal standards.

  • Assist in positioning the patient and the turnover of the operating room after procedures, including proper routing and processing of specimens, equipment, instrumentation, and supplies.

Indiana University Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

IU Health North Hospital is a cutting-edge, fast-paced facility that provides exceptional care to both adult and pediatric populations. Our surgical unit is equipped with advanced technology, including a robust robotic program, and offers a diverse range of procedures in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. We are a comprehensive hospital providing multiple specialties such as orthopedics, general surgery, colorectal, urology, gynecology and cancer care.

We are seeking skilled surgical technologists to join our dynamic team and contribute to delivering outstanding patient care. If you're passionate about working in an innovative, high-energy setting focused on patient comfort and excellence, we would be thrilled to have you join us!

A Sign On Bonus is available for qualified candidates! 

This position is a day shift role working 4 10s (6:30am-5:00pm), weekday set schedule offered. Call required if working day shift, holidays are covered with one team in house and call not on site.

CSFAs provide service and support as a clinical expert before, during, and after surgical procedures. Ensures the presence and proper arrangement of surgical equipment, supplies and instrumentation in the operating room prior to each operation and to maintain readiness for emergency procedures at all times. Provides first line assistance to the surgeon in the operating room as allowed by professional and legal standards. Assists in positioning of the patient and the turnover of the operating room after the procedure ensuring proper routing and/or processing of all specimens, equipment, instrumentation and supplies. Works as a member of the surgical team with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. Trains colleagues on various skills and tasks. Acts as a resource or mentor to colleagues with less experience.

  • Requires High School Diploma/GED. Associate's Degree preferred.
  • Requires certification as a Certified First Assistant obtained from the NBSTSA.
  • Requires certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist obtained from the NBSTSA.
  • Requires Basic Life Support Certification.
  • Requires the ability to resource advanced technology.
  • Requires documentation of 19 Contact Hours of Continuing Education.
  • Requires knowledge of name and function of surgical equipment and instrumentation.
  • Requires strict adherence to policies and regulations regarding maintenance of sterile field.
  • Requires a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.

As part of an award-winning hospital system, our part-time and full-time team members have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which includes, Competitive pay, Development opportunities, Tuition reimbursement, Matching 401k, Paid medical leave, and health, dental and vision insurance. 

  • Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we're home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
  • IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
  • A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's largest medical schools - gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training - advancing healthcare for all.
  • With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
  • At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
  • Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation's healthiest states.
Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. We're looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.

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