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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Draper, UT (NOW HIRING)

Timpanogos Regional Hospital

First Asst Tech

Orem, UT · On-site

Job Summary and Qualifications As the Surgical First Assist will deliver high quality, patient centered care as you assist staff during operative and invasive procedures. You will ensure the ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

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All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Draper, UT

Surgical First Assistant information

See Draper, UT salary details

$15

$35

$71

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Draper, UT is $35.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.08 and $39.09 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 cities near Draper, UT are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Draper, UT with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Draper, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,213 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assist DAYS

St. Mark's Hospital

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

St. Mark's Hospital rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

472nd of 1,061 rated hospitals

Job description

Do you have the career opportunities as a(an) Surgical First Assist DAYS you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join St. Mark's Hospital which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.

Job Summary and Qualifications

As the Surgical Tech First Assist in the Operating Room you will deliver high quality, patient centered care as you assist staff during operative and invasive procedures.  You will ensure the operating room is adequately prepared for procedures and act as a preceptor for other techs as needed. Our team supports each other like family and we are looking for someone who feels patient care is as meaningful as we do. In this role: 


  • You will be competent in all OR procedures as verified by specific competencies and will use these mastery level skills as a preceptor for others.  


  • You will work with Housekeeping and Central Processing staff to clean the Operating Rooms and equipment between patients following facility policies and procedures. 


  • You will participate in safety initiates to ensure correct surgery inpatient identification, and verification of the procedure to be performed within the OR when the patient is present and prior to the surgical prep. 


  • You will rely on previous experience to anticipate and meet the needs of the surgeon.  


  • You will follow patient and employee safety/security policies and protocols, including hand hygiene, use of universal precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to isolation procedures.  


  • You will consistently assist the patient care team with maintaining a clean, well- stocked/organized, and safe patient care environment.  

What qualifications you will need:


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • (CSA) Certified Surgical Assistant, or (CSFA) Certified Surgical First Assistant, or (SA-C) Surgical Assistant Certified
  • 2 years experience Required Years of Experience
Benefits

St. Mark's Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

For 150 years, St. Mark's Hospital has provided a full-spectrum of healthcare services to Salt Lake City and its surrounding communities. As Utah's first hospital, St. Mark's team members uphold a rich tradition of patient-centered, top-quality care at our 308 plus bed hospital. St Mark's drives the development of some of the regions finest clinical service areas such as neurosciences, trauma, orthopedics, cardiac care and robotic surgery. St. Mark's was named to the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® list. This is the eighth time this hospital has been recognized with this honor as one of the top performing Teaching Hospitals in the U.S.

St. Mark's has expanded emergency access to the communities we serve with two free standing emergency centers, Taylorsville Emergency Center and West Valley Emergency Center. Both locations have 10 plus patient rooms are staffed 24/7 by experienced board-certified emergency room physicians, nurses and support teams from St. Mark's Hospital. In addition to ER care, both facilities give comprehensive imaging services, including computerized tomography (CT scan), Xray, and ultrasound as well as a fully-equipped medical laboratory.

Nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, St. Mark's sits in a picturesque and ideal location. From our hospital doors it's a quick commute to Salt Lake's urban and cultural benefits, and a short drive to outdoor adventures and Utah's glorious national parks.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Surgical First Assist DAYS opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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