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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$18

$40

$82

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Boston, MA is $40.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.64 and $45.43 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,082 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Certified Surgical First Assistant, Operating Room, 32 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health

Marlborough, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

UMass Memorial Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Are you a current UMass Memorial Health caregiver? Apply now through Workday.
Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt
Hiring Range:
$28.77 - $46.74
Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
Schedule Details:
Monday through Friday, On Call - Required, Weekends - Every Fourth Weekend
Scheduled Hours:
6:54-3:15 or 9:00-5:30
Shift:
1 - Day Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)
Hours:
32
Cost Center:
10021 - 2110 Operating Room
Union:
SHARE Marlborough
This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.
Everyone Is a Caregiver
At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.
To provide primary assistance to the Surgeon during a surgical procedure. To assist the surgeon in this expanded role of perioperative care, the STFA acquires the additional knowledge, skills and judgment necessary through advanced education and supervised practice. The role of a Surgical First Assistant requires active participation during the procedure, providing exposure, hemostasis, tying or sewing, tissue handling plus other functions as assigned or determined by the primary surgeon responsible for the patient and procedure; other duties as assigned or directed by the within the scope of Surgical First Assistant practice. May function as a scrub tech as needed to accommodate the needs of the department.
UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital strives to be the community hospital of choice for patients and the workplace of choice for health care professionals and physicians. We serve as a role model in the community by promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as a tobacco and smoke free campus and the hiring of nicotine free employees.
Summary:
To provide primary Assistance to the Surgeon during a surgical procedure. The role of a Surgical First Assistant requires active participation during the procedure, providing exposure, homeostasis, tying or sewing, tissue handling plus other functions as assigned or determined by the primary surgeon responsible for the patient and procedure; other duties as assigned or directed by the within the scope of Surgical First Assistant practice.
Qualifications:
  • American Board of Surgical Assistant Certification.
  • Documentation of ongoing clinical competencies and continuing education.
  • BLS and ACLS competent.
  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program; successful completion of appropriate pretest/exams, classroom orientation and clinical orientation is required.
  • Well organized and possess high degree of Manual Dexterity.
  • 3 years' experience in a hospital-based surgical service.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, customer service and communication skills required OR equivalent combination of the above

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.

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