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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

MyMichigan Health

First Assist Surg Tech I

Saginaw, MI · On-site

FA I= • A surgical technologist who was on the job trained as a surgical technologist and who is on the job trained as a First Assistant, no formal training (grandfathered in their role) FAII = A ...

ILLUUM COSMETIC SURGERY

OR FIRST ASSIST

Novi, MI

New plastic surgery practice open in Novi, MICompetitive compensation and benefitsAn opportunity to ... EducationCurrent Michigan RN license, BSN preferredRegistered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) and/or ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$14

$32

$66

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Michigan is $32.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $36.44 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.
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What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,259 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Multiple Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner - Multiple Locations - Michigan

Commonwealth Medical Services

Midland, MI • On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant

Available Departments
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Hematology & Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Family Medicine / Primary Care
  • Hospital Medicine / Critical Care (Day & Night Shift)
Position Summary

A healthcare organization is seeking motivated Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to join multiple specialty teams across inpatient and outpatient settings. These opportunities support surgical, medical, and primary care services across a variety of schedules, practice models, and acuity levels.

Positions are available in fast-paced, collaborative environments and may include clinic-based care, inpatient rounding, surgical first assist, outreach clinics, and procedural responsibilities, depending on the department.

Responsibilities (Role-Dependent)
  • Provide direct patient care in outpatient clinics and/or inpatient hospital settings
  • Evaluate, diagnose, and manage new and established patients
  • Perform department-specific procedures, which may include:
    • Joint injections, Botox injections, nerve blocks
    • ICU-level bedside procedures (paracentesis, thoracentesis, chest tubes, lines, ports)
    • Surgical first assist and vein harvesting
  • Participate in inpatient rounding, consults, admissions, discharges, and care coordination
  • Collaborate closely with physicians, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary care teams
  • Provide patient and family education and coordinate follow-up care
  • Support outreach and satellite clinic services as applicable
Schedule & Practice Settings
  • Full-time opportunities
  • Monday–Friday outpatient schedules available
  • Inpatient day and night shift roles, including 7 on / 7 off rotations
  • Mix of outpatient clinics, inpatient services, operating room support, and outreach locations
  • Some roles include call rotation; others have no call, weekends, or holidays
Additional Information
  • Employment contingent upon successful completion of credentialing
  • Structured onboarding, training, and mentorship programs available

Requirements

Certifications & Licensure
  • Current Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant certification
  • AHA-approved BLS required
  • ACLS required for select inpatient and surgical roles
  • Active state license or eligibility to obtain licensure
Education & Experience
  • Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
  • Experience preferred for many specialties; new graduates considered for select roles
  • Specialty experience (surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurology, primary care, hospital medicine) is a plus
  • OR, first assist, or vein harvesting experience required for select cardiovascular and cardiothoracic roles

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits (Role-Dependent)
  • Competitive compensation
  • Sign-on bonuses available for select specialties
  • Comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
    • Paid Time Off and CME time
    • CME allowance
    • Retirement plans with employer matching
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
    • Disability and professional liability coverage
    • Relocation assistance for eligible positions