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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Aurora Health Care

Surgical Assistant

Burlington, WI · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Surgical Assistant Certified (SA-C) certification issued by the ...

New

Advocate Aurora Health

Surgical Assistant

Summit, WI · On-site

Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) * Surgical Assistant Certified (SA-C) certification issued by the ...

UW Health

Surgical Recovery Coordinator

Madison, WI · On-site

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

UW Health

Surgical Recovery Coordinator

Madison, WI · On-site

$29.52 - $44.28/hr

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

UWHealth

Surgical Recovery Coordinator

Madison, WI

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$16

$38

$76

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Wisconsin is $38.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.34 and $42.21 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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Wisconsin look for?

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

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

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

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,048 per year, or $38 per hour.

Surgical Tech First Assistant Certified

Froedtert South, Inc.

Pleasant Prairie, WI • On-site

$30 - $46.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Froedtert South rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Surgical Tech First Assistant Certified Job Duties:
Surgical Tech First Assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Surgical Tech First Assistants work under the supervision of a surgeon and registered nurse to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Tech First Assistants possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic procedures.
  • Performs all of the technical and physical functions and skills related to the job performance of a Surgical First Assistant and an Operating Room Surgical Technologist.
  • Multifaceted communicator under a variety of emotional situations.
  • Cleaning and restocking sterile core areas and Operating Rooms.

Surgical Tech First Assistant Certified Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Associate degree in: Surgical Technologist
  • Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.
  • Certification in The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or certification as Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by the National Surgical Assistant Association.
  • In addition to graduation from accredited technical college or approved program for First Assisting, will also fulfill demonstrated First Assist competencies as defined by Froedtert South Surgical Services Department within 60 days of hire.
  • If no formal First Assist education, previous work experience in a full service OR with validated competencies equivalent to two (2) full years of First Assisting will be considered. Upon hire, candidate must also demonstrate First Assist competencies as defined by Froedtert South Surgical Services Department within 60 days of hire.
  • Employees hired into positions as of January 1, 2016, will be required to obtain certification within six months of hire.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, hear and comprehend the English language.

Salary Range: $30.00 to $46.50/hr (based on experience)
  • Evening and night shift differential available

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits available
  • 403(b) company match available
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee discount program
  • Competitive PTO

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