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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$16

$36

$74

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Decatur, GA is $36.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $40.82 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 environments 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 much does a surgical first assistant make an hour?

A surgical first assistant typically earns between $30 and $70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certified assistants with specialized skills tend to earn higher wages, especially in hospitals or surgical centers that require advanced certifications and skills in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.

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.

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 does a first assist do in surgery?

A surgical first assistant helps the surgeon during procedures by controlling bleeding, holding tissues, suturing, and providing exposure of the surgical site. They must have knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques and often work closely with the surgical team in the operating room.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare, such as a surgical technologist or nurse, and strong knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,462 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Malone Healthcare - Nursing

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Malone Healthcare - Nursing is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Atlanta, Georgia.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Surgical First Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: 08/10/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days, flexible
  • Employment Type: Travel

CVOR Certified Surgical First Assistant Surgical Services

About Malone Healthcare - Nursing

With a commitment to providing a higher standard of service and experience in patient care, Malone Healthcare places expert nurses and allied health professionals in rewarding careers throughout the United States. As a leading healthcare staffing agency, Malone’s focus on compliance and integrity translates to a seamless experience for our team members and partner facilities. When you work with Malone Healthcare, you can rely on over 50 years of proven experience placing exceptional professionals in quality healthcare settings.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Holiday Pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Pet insurance
  • Referral bonus
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Life insurance

Apply