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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Inova Health System

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Surgical First Assistant In Labor And Delivery Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$48.51 - $79.07/hr

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant to join the team. This role will be Full-time and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader ...

Inova Primary Care

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

New

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$48.51 - $79.07/hr

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

OrthoVirginia

Surgical Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$40.91 - $61.37/hr

Surgical First Assistant Bring Your Surgical Expertise to a Collaborative Orthopedic Team As a Surgical First Assistant at OrthoVirginia , you'll work directly alongside our surgeons and ...

OrthoVirginia

Surgical Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$56 - $84/hr

Surgical First Assistant Bring Your Surgical Expertise to a Collaborative Orthopedic Team As a Surgical First Assistant at OrthoVirginia, you'll work directly alongside our surgeons and perioperative ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$18

$42

$86

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Washington is $42.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.04 and $47.36 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.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,700 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Inova Health System

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 2 days ago

New

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Surgical First Assistant In Labor And Delivery

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions – starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.

Surgical First Assist Job Responsibilities:

  • Confirms procedure with surgeon and determines specific equipment needed per procedure by reviewing permit to confirm procedure and special needs.
  • Assists in setting up OR room. Make clinical decisions based on experience, patient population data, and observation in concert with the primary surgeon
  • Provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and /or technique. Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement or ties, placement of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon. Uses the electrocautery mono and bi-polar at surgeons' direction, clamping, ligation, and cutting of tissue per surgeons' directive. Selects and applies wound dressing per surgeon's directive; applies splints, casts, and other specialty dressings under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Assists with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Completion of Surgical First Assistant program through an accredited organization.
  • Experience : Minimum of 1 years as First Surgical Assistant
  • Certification: BLS from the American Heart Association
  • Licensure - Licensed Surgical Assistant Upon Start, must meet licensure criteria and be licensed as a Surgical Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of hire

What Inova Health System employees say

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