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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Timpanogos Regional Hospital

First Asst Tech

Orem, UT · On-site

Job Summary and Qualifications As the Surgical First Assist will deliver high quality, patient centered care as you assist staff during operative and invasive procedures. You will ensure the ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Utah salary details

$15

$34

$69

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Utah is $34.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.08 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 environments 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 much does a surgical first assistant make an hour?

A surgical first assistant typically earns between $30 and $70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certified assistants with specialized skills tend to earn higher wages, especially in hospitals or surgical centers that require advanced certifications and skills in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.

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.

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 does a first assist do in surgery?

A surgical first assistant helps the surgeon during procedures by controlling bleeding, holding tissues, suturing, and providing exposure of the surgical site. They must have knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques and often work closely with the surgical team in the operating room.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare, such as a surgical technologist or nurse, and strong knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Utah? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,296 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Travel Surgical First Assistant

VyTalent Solutions

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$500/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

VyTalent Solutions is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Surgical First Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We’re living in the new normal. Lives and careers look different today. So why shouldn’t you have a role that delivers excitement, fewer restrictions, and brings you closer to loved ones? At American Medical Staffing (AMS), we believe in supporting the pioneers who embody the sense of adventure each new placement brings and we’re looking for a Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) for a Surgical First Assist - OR contract assignment.

Job Title: CSFA: Surgical First Assist - OR
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Setting: Hospital
Schedule: 40 Hours per week, 07:00-17:00 (10-hour days)
Contract Length: 13 Weeks
Candidate Type: Traveler friendly – travel reimbursement available

Requirements:

  • 2 years of experience as a CSFA
  • Qualified applicants MUST have at least 2 years of experience in the OR
  • Valid Certified Surgical First Assist license
  • Be willing to obtain Utah licensure

Why Choose American Medical Staffing?

  • Flexible Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans that work for you.
  • Wellness PTO: Build 1 or 2 weeks of paid time off into your contract.
  • Hotel Discounts: Save up to 60% on hotel bookings with access to 700,000+ discounted properties.
  • Loyalty Program: Earn financial incentives automatically based on hours worked and assignment type.
  • Referral Program: $500 for you and $500 for each referral after 450 hours—no limits.
  • Working Advantage: Access exclusive discounts on retail, entertainment, and travel.
  • Scrub Discount: 20% off all scrubs through our customized AMS store.
  • Retirement Plans: 401(k) options to help you plan for the future.
  • Compliance & Credentialing Support: Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on patient care.

Responsibilities: As a healthcare professional in a hospital setting, you will...

  • Deliver specialized care to patients across a variety of acute and subacute units.
  • Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
  • Monitor patient conditions, administer treatments, and document outcomes.
  • Advocate for the best possible patient experience while supporting recovery, safety, and continuity of care.

Apply now to take the next step in your journey. American Medical Staffing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or any other non-merit factor.

VyTalent Solutions Job ID #83941. Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: General Surgical First Assist

About VyTalent Solutions

At VyTalent Solutions, we believe your career should move you forward. Whether you're looking for travel, local, PRN, or permanent opportunities, we're here to connect you with meaningful work where you can make an impact in patient and student care.

Built on more than three decades of experience, VyTalent Solutions partners with hospitals, surgical centers, behavioral health facilities, schools, correctional healthcare environments, and community-based organizations nationwide. Our team is committed to creating an experience that's transparent, responsive, and centered around your goals, because finding your next opportunity should feel exciting, not exhausting.

From your first conversation through every assignment, you'll have real people in your corner, helping you navigate your career with confidence.

Energizing Talent. Delivering Solutions. Powering Innovation.

Benefits

We believe in providing benefits that benefit you. Eligible employees working 30 hours or more can access a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program offering mental health, financial, legal, and wellness resources
  • Wellness program focused on fitness, nutrition, and financial well-being
  • BetterHelp partnership, including one month of free therapy and discounted services
  • Scrubin uniform discounts
  • Hotel Engine travel discounts
  • Working Advantage employee discount program
  • Referral Program: Earn $500 when you refer a friend, and they'll earn $500, too.


Benefits
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits

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