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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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$16

$38

$76

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Edison, NJ is $38.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $42.40 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

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What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Edison, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,385 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Physician Assistant - FT Night Surgery JCMC

RWJBarnabas Health

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

$125K - $195K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 332 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Physician Assistant

Location: Barnabas Health Medical Group

Department Name: Surgical APP's - JCMC

Req #: 0000259612

Status: Salaried

Shift: Night

Pay Range: $125,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant

Trauma & Surgical Critical Care

Position Summary:

The Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) is an advanced practice provider responsible for the comprehensive management of trauma patients admitted to the Trauma Service

The PA works collaboratively with the Trauma Attending of the Week, Trauma Medical Director, consulting services, residents, nursing, and ancillary staff to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in accordance with American College of Surgeons standards and RWJBarnabas Health policies

Essential Responsibilities:

Trauma Service

  • Manage all patients admitted to the Trauma Service
  • Perform initial and follow-up evaluations
  • Complete history and physical examinations
  • Perform daily trauma rounds on ICU and floor patients
  • Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with the attending surgeon
  • Monitor clinical progress and promptly communicate significant changes to the attending surgeon
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary patient care,

Emergency Department

  • Evaluate trauma consultations
  • Respond to Trauma Alert/Activation patients according to hospital protocol
  • Perform secondary surveys and tertiary examinations
  • Coordinate admissions, transfers, and consultations
  • Assist in trauma resuscitations

Procedures:

  • Perform procedures within credentialing and privileges, including:
    • Laceration repair
    • Chest tube placement and management
    • Central venous catheter insertion
    • Arterial line placement
    • FAST examination
    • Wound exploration and bedside debridement
    • Removal of drains, chest tubes, and staples
    • Incision and drainage procedures

Operating Room:

  • First assist during trauma and emergency general surgery procedures when requested
  • Assist with perioperative patient management
  • Participate in postoperative care,

Documentation:

  • Complete documentation in a timely manner, including:
    • Admission H&Ps
    • Trauma consult notes
    • Daily progress notes
    • Procedure notes
    • Transfer notes
    • Discharge summaries
    • Medication reconciliation
    • Discharge instructions
    • Trauma clinic documentation
    • Billing documentation compliant with CMS and institutional policies,

Care Coordination:

  • Participate in multidisciplinary rounds
  • Communicate with consulting services
  • Coordinate rehabilitation placement and discharge planning
  • Provide patient and family education
  • Arrange outpatient follow-up

Quality Improvement

  • Participate in Trauma Performance Improvement (PI) activities
  • Attend trauma multidisciplinary conferences and M&M conferences
  • Support trauma registry documentation as needed
  • Participate in trauma education initiatives

Collaboration

  • Works closely with:
  • Acute Care Surgery
  • Surgical ICU
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Anesthesia
  • Nursing
  • Case Management
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Radiology

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
  • Current NCCPA certification
  • Current New Jersey PA license
  • DEA registration
  • BLS and ACLS certification
  • ATLS certification preferred, acceptable to obtain after hire
  • Prior trauma, emergency medicine, surgery, or critical care experience preferred

Schedule:

  • Rotating 12-hour day and night shifts
  • Weekend and holiday coverage
  • Coverage may include:
    • Emergency Department trauma evaluations
    • Trauma inpatient service
    • Operating Room
    • Reporting Relationship

The Trauma Surgery PA reports to APP leadership and works under the supervision of the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery attending physicians in accordance with New Jersey law and RWJBarnabas Health policies

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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RWJBarnabas Health logo

About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

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