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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Certified Surgical First Assist or Registered Nurse First Assist required. Additional Skills ... Requirements Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skill ...

Surgical Assistant

Clinton, MD · On-site

$35.68 - $64.71/hr

The Surgical Assistant may take a scrub rolewhen not needed as a first assistant. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: The Surgical Assistant may: Handle tissue. Provide exposure. Use instruments. Suture. Provide ...

Surgical Assistant

Clinton, MD · On-site

$35.68 - $64.71/hr

The Surgical Assistant may take a scrub rolewhen not needed as a first assistant. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: The Surgical Assistant may: Handle tissue. Provide exposure. Use instruments. Suture. Provide ...

OB/GYN Hospitalist

Reston, VA · On-site

$130 - $171.75/hr

Job Title Program Details 24 Hour Shifts Provide GYN Coverage Required to Perform Circumcisions Surgical First Assist Available Backup Midwives Backup Available (OB/GYN ED Call) Hospital Details NICU ...

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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 Aug 17, 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,700 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Surgical Assistant, Senior

UVA Health

Manassas, VA

$41.54 - $67.46/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


UVA Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 184 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Surgical Assistant, Senior

Sign-On Bonus Available!!

4x10-hour shifts Shifts with call rotation on weekends and holidays. 

 Job Code: SS1482ABOUT US

We are ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class UVA Health academic health system, we are committed to caring for the whole person by building meaningful connections with our patients in the local setting of UVA Health's community hospitals, outpatient locations, and provider offices. By combining our team's talent and expertise, the breadth of capabilities across the entire UVA Health system, and our dedication to community wellness, we are bringing expert care close to home. As a member of the UVA Community Health team, individuals contribute to patient care decisions, support advanced medical technologies, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives every day.

JOB TYPE

Classification: Non Exempt

Supervises Positions:

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct and indirect supervision of the attending physician and in a cohesive manner with all surgical staff functions in a surgical assist role, the Surgical Assistant Senior assists the team in providing quality individualized patient care during all phases of the patient' surgical experience. The staff member will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served. The employee will be able to assess data reflective of the patient' status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient' requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provides services as described in the department' policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Graduate of a recognized first assist program with National Certification or RN required. Or, if a physician from another country and practicing in the United States as a First Assistant, this is acceptable.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience assisting preferred. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.

Licensure: Certified Surgical First Assist or Registered Nurse First Assist required.

Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skill validation and competency testing. Demonstrate effective and appropriate customer service skills, verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, interpersonal relationship skills, and time management skills. Scrub tech experience to be able to independently scrub Orthopedics, General, Vascular, Gynecological cases. Ability to independently cover scrub call as needed.

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

Competencies

  • Communication: Collaborates with the leadership team and UCIC to identify and resolve unit issues.
    • Keeps co-workers and intra-op staff informed of any updates/issues.
    • Follows written instructions as needed.
  • Technical Competency: : Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served.
    • Collects, organizes, and enters information into the patient scheduling application.
    • Assists with various types of surgical operations providing technically skilled duties, serving as first assist.
    • Demonstrates knowledge of instrumentation and sterile/aseptic technique.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Community Health.

OTHER
  • May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes

  • On call responsibilities as directed: Yes

  • Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

    The base compensation range for this role is  $41.54  - $67.46 hourly.

    Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.  Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.


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