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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Boca Raton, FL (NOW HIRING)

Specialy Care

Certified Surgical Assist

Atlantis, FL · On-site

Acts as First Assistant or Second Assistant to surgeon during surgical procedures i.e., holds retractors, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues ...

Specialtycare

Certified Surgical Assist

Atlantis, FL · On-site

Acts as First Assistant or Second Assistant to surgeon during surgical procedures i.e., holds retractors, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues ...

Specialy Care

Certified Surgical Assist

Atlantis, FL · On-site

Acts as First Assistant or Second Assistant to surgeon during surgical procedures i.e., holds retractors, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$15

$35

$72

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Boca Raton, FL is $35.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.51 and $39.71 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.
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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Boca Raton, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,319 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Surgery: Trauma Reconstruction - West Palm Beach, FL

Tenet Health

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Tenet Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

699th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Join the Paley Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, as a full-time Physician Assistant supporting a highly specialized Orthopedic Trauma Reconstruction surgery team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized orthopedic specialists, providing comprehensive care to patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions in a collaborative and innovative clinical environment.
Job Highlights:
  • Full-time Physician Assistant position with a leading orthopedic trauma reconstruction practice
  • Mix of inpatient and outpatient responsibilities supporting continuity of patient care
  • Surgical first assist and OR coverage as part of the orthopedic trauma reconstruction team
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons throughout the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases of care
  • Work in a highly specialized setting focused on complex orthopedic reconstruction procedures

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive base salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Continuing medical education (CME) allowance
  • Malpractice insurance

About the area: West Palm Beach offers a vibrant South Florida lifestyle with year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and endless outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy a thriving downtown, excellent dining and entertainment options, and convenient access to nearby cultural attractions and international travel through Palm Beach International Airport. The area's combination of coastal living and professional opportunities makes it an attractive place to live and work.
#LI-MM5
Responsibilities
Per collaborative agreement
Qualifications
Education:
Required: Graduate of accredited PA program
Experience:
Certifications:
Required: PA licensure; DEA eligible. Additional certification(s) per governing board and in accordance with the facility Medical Staff Bylaws.
Physical Demands:

What Tenet Healthcare employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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