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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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$15

$35

$71

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Iowa is $35.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $39.28 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 Iowa? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 71% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Surgical Technologist II-Certified-Operating Room

UnityPoint Health

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Surgical Technologist II
Marshalltown Hospital
Full Time; 32 Hours per week; Varied Day Shift; No Overnight or Weekend Call
Eligible for a $5,000 Sign-On Bonus!
The Surgical Technologist II functions as a member of the surgical team to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. The surgical technologist collaborates with the team to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that instrumentation functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The Surgical Technologist is proficient in the role of first or second scrub person, or assistant circulator during procedures within one specialty area.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Clinical Excellence
  • Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure in their assigned specialty area. Has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
  • Participates in collaborative review of pertinent patient information for accuracy of procedure and associated factors influencing preparedness for procedure. (i.e. H&P, Consents, Radiographic reports)
  • Assisting in circulating duties, will obtain additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. Monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team.
  • In the second assisting role, carries out technical tasks other than cutting, clamping, and suturing of tissue. This role is distinct from that of the first assistant and may, in some circumstances, be performed at the same time as the scrub role.
  • Strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job related duties.
  • Assists with orientation of new departmental personnel. Participates in the clinical instruction of students as assigned in the operating room.

Quality of Care
  • Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.
  • Demonstrates an awareness of patient and personal safety. Demonstrates knowledge of Standard and Transmission Based Precautions. Observes and promptly reports any unusual occurrences.
  • Organizes, cleans, and maintains unit work areas, supplies, and equipment. Assists with inventory control by reporting needs.
  • Assists in room turnover by cleaning furniture and equipment according to established End of Case Cleaning guidelines.

Qualifications
  • Requires high school diploma or GED and graduation from a nationally accredited surgical technology program.
  • Internal applicants, in good standing, with 3 or more year of recent operating room experience, who are eligible for certification, will be considered in place of education requirement for completion of surgical technology program.
  • Certified through a national certifying body. Must maintain active certification throughout employment.

Preferred:
  • Associate Degree or higher encouraged.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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