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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

HealthPartners

MN · On-site

$34.28 - $51.42/hr

Completion of a healthcare related post-secondary education program; including but not limited to RN, LPN, Surgical Technologist, Athletic Trainer, Surgical First Assistant, Orthopedic Assistant, and ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$16

$36

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Minnesota is $36.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.42 and $40.96 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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For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,703 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Orthopedic Assistant - Trauma Specialty

HealthPartners

Wayzata, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

HealthPartners rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Orthopedic Assistant

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic trauma team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive every day.

Position Summary:

Provides orthopedic assistance to physicians in the treatment and care of patients in the OR, Hospital, and clinic settings. Tasks include but are not limited to assisting in surgery, casting, and splinting, rooming patients, seeing post-operative patients in clinic, dressing wounds, providing patient education, triaging patient calls, and other tasks to contribute to quality patient care and services. The Orthopedic Assistant's work will not exceed the following: (1) Orthopedic Assistant Scope of Practice/Competency Skills checklist and (2) Casting, Splinting and DME training checklist. Advanced medical training through military, nursing program, or other similar source. 3-5 years of orthopedic experience is desired. Experience in the operating room environment is preferred.

Work Schedule:

M-F 8:00-4:30 with on-call responsibilities (start/end times vary based on clinic templates on clinic days as well as OR start times/case loads)

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

    • Completion of a healthcare related post-secondary education program; including but not limited to RN, LPN, Surgical Technologist, Athletic Trainer, Surgical First Assistant, Orthopedic Assistant, and Orthopedic Technologist.

  • Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

    • CPR certification required.

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Organized individual with proven efficiency in orthopedic and sterile techniques and the ability to accurately assess patient conditions utilizing sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

    • Strong verbal communication, clinical, human relations, and leadership skills

    • Ability to respond to emergency call and assist the physician in stressful situations.

    • Demonstrate knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and ensure safety of patients.

    • Personal Computer, general office equipment, must know the equipment used for orthopedic surgery to enable assisting appropriately.

Benefits:

Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package (for eligible positions) that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more!

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