1

Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$43.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH

$29 - $43.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$29 - $43.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$40 - $53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech Certified First Assist

Cincinnati, OH

$40 - $53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical First Assistant possesses and demonstrates competencies related to the preoperative and intraoperative aspects of care. Serves as first assistant in designated surgical procedures under ...

Surgical Tech

Westerville, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Surgical Technician First Assist , under the direction of a Registered Nurse, will provide patient care in an atmosphere sensitive to each person's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual ...

Surgical Tech

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22.34 - $32.11/hr

... first assistant. Qualifications: Required: • Associate's degree from an accredited school for Surgical Technology or a related field. • Surgical Technologist certification within one year of hire ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical First Assistant information

See Ohio salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Ohio is $35.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.56 and $39.76 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 Ohio are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,454 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Travel First Assist Technician

GHR Healthcare - Allied Health & Therapy

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

GHR Healthcare - Allied Health & Therapy is seeking a travel First Assist Technician for a travel job in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist Technician
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

Surgical First Assistant | OR Tech Travel Assignment in Cincinnati, Ohio

Bring your surgical skills to a fast-paced operating room team in Cincinnati, OH 45211. This 13-week travel assignment is an excellent fit for an experienced Surgical First Assistant or Operating Room Technician who thrives in high-acuity inpatient surgery, values teamwork, and wants to make a direct impact in the OR.

Job Details
  • Position: Surgical First Assistant | OR Tech
  • Location: Cincinnati, OH 45211
  • Setting: Inpatient Surgery / Operating Room
  • Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Estimated Weekly Pay: $1,810 - $1,940
  • Schedule: 4 shifts per week
  • Shift Duration: 10-hour day shifts
  • Hours per Week: 40
  • Call: Required, including weekday, weekend, and holiday call coverage
  • Start Date: 08/10/2026
  • Travel / Local: Travel and local candidates accepted
Job Requirements
  • Minimum 1 year of healthcare experience required
  • Hospital or operating room experience required
  • Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program required
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant or equivalent certification required
  • BLS certification preferred upon hire and required prior to direct patient care
  • Orthopedic, robotic, urology, general, and vascular surgery experience preferred
  • Ability to work effectively in a high-stress, fast-paced operating room environment
  • Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills
  • Comfortable with physical demands, including standing for long periods and assisting with patient movement
Responsibilities
  • Function as first or second assist on assigned surgical cases
  • Perform surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to policy
  • Support sterile technique and function in the scrub role as needed
  • Assist with OR case preparation, including equipment setup and sterile field maintenance
  • Support patient positioning, prepping, draping, and other intraoperative tasks
  • Assist the surgeon during procedures by handling instruments, retractors, suction, irrigation, and wound closure support
  • Participate in counts, specimen handling, room turnover, and safe workflow practices
  • Help maintain patient safety, confidentiality, and universal protocol standards
  • Anticipate surgical needs and contribute to efficient case flow
  • Serve as a professional team member and preceptor when appropriate
Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated Surgical First Assistant or OR Tech to join a dynamic surgical team in Cincinnati. The surrounding area offers the convenience of city living with easy access to local restaurants, neighborhoods, and amenities, making it a practical and appealing place to live and work during your assignment. If you are ready to bring your expertise to a team that values quality, efficiency, and patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply now.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

GHR Healthcare - Allied Health & Therapy Job ID #506136. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: First Assist

About GHR Healthcare - Allied Health & Therapy

For over 30 years, GHR Healthcare has been the bridge between healthcare

professionals and the facilities that need them nationwide. We're committed to

uncovering your ideal fit, supported by GHR's dedication to competitive

compensation, transparent communication, and a devoted team that genuinely

cares about your career journey. You can trust us to stand by your side as your

advocate, confidante, and partner in advancing your career. At GHR, care and

consideration are at the heart of everything we do. Visit ghrhealthcare.com to

learn more.