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Surgical First Assistant information

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$15

$34

$69

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Anderson, SC is $34.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $38.27 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 Anderson, SC?

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

What cities near Anderson, SC are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Anderson, SC with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Anderson, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,689 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Staff Nurse - First Assist/ Surgery, No Call Required, *BONUS ELIGIBLE*

AnMed

Anderson, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

AnMed rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

AnMed Medical Center has 11 operating rooms whose service lines include General Surgery, Bariatrics, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Urology, Peripheral Vascular, Robotics, and Cardiovascular. Our OR does about 150 heart surgeries a year! AnMed earned accreditation by the DNV for Top Performers on Key Quality Measures for excellence in surgical care. If you desire to join a close, team-oriented group of peers, then AnMed OR is for you! A better career starts here!
Summary:
Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient needs utilizing the nursing process. Actively participates in providing patient care as defined by multidisciplinary plan of care. Provides direct and indirect nursing care to patients with diverse cultural backgrounds as well as varying ages pertinent to their assigned areas. The Staff Nurse manages and provides patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through the application of independent judgment, communication and collaboration with all team members. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with physicians, other health care providers, patients and their families, to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care.
The RN First Assist is responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations. Functions as an RN First Assist during operative and other invasive procedures and throughout the perioperative continuum in accordance with scope of practice credentials, privileges, experience, education, and competency verification.
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in nursing
  • Current RN with SC license
  • Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR) certification
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • Minimum of two (2) years perioperative RN or RNFA experience
  • Completion of the organization's credentialing process

Preferred:
  • RN First Assist certification (CRNFA)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Suppot (PALS) certification, depending on patient population
  • Basic computer skills (eg. Microsoft® Word)

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About AnMed

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AnMed is a dynamic, comprehensive health system in Anderson, S.C. For more than 100 years, AnMed has provided health care for residents of eight counties in upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia. AnMed’s medical staff includes more than 400 physicians, and over 3,600 employees. AnMed has been an inseparable part of the Anderson community for more than a century. From its modest beginning as a 25-bed hospital in 1908, AnMed has evolved into the state’s largest independent, not-for-profit health system with more than 50 patient care sites and nearly 4,000 employees. Our goal is to provide excellent care. The health system is anchored by the 461-bed Medical Center in Anderson. AnMed also has a satellite North Campus which includes a comprehensive Cancer Center, physician offices, AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Cardiac and Orthopaedic Center. AnMed Cannon, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is also part of the system.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anderson, SC, US

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