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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA

$99K - $148K/yr

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

LIFECENTER NORTHWEST

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$91K - $148K/yr

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

Prosport

Physician Assistant Certified (PA-C)

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Key Responsibilities: • Surgical: First assist in advanced arthroscopic and open procedures • ... Clinical: Manage initial consultations, follow-ups, and post-surgical care in your dedicated clinic ...

Prosport

Physician Assistant Certified (PA-C)

Kent, WA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Key Responsibilities: • Surgical: First assist in advanced arthroscopic and open procedures • ... Clinical: Manage initial consultations, follow-ups, and post-surgical care in your dedicated clinic ...

Noor Locum

NP/PA - Obstetrics/Gynecology

Seattle, WA · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

Gynecologic surgical first-assist and Da Vinci robotic surgery experience required ; RNFA accepted. Must have WA license or IMLC, DEA, ACLS, ATLS & BLS . Epic EMR. Clean file required. Partner with ...

LeoForce

Surgical Physician Assistant (PA-C)

Renton, WA · On-site

$125 - $180/hr

First Assist * 50-50 Surgical / Clinical split Qualifications * Must be a PA-C from an accredited school * Prefer 2+ years related clinical experience * First Assist/Surgical experience required

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$18

$42

$84

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Federal Way, WA is $42.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.56 and $46.73 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 Federal Way, WA?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,458 per year, or $42 per hour.

Surgical First Assist

LifeCenter Northwest

Bellevue, WA

$99K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the recovery, preservation, and packaging of organs for transplantation and research.

  • Provide on-site response and act as Surgical First Assist during organ recovery procedures.

  • Document case data and coordinate with hospital personnel, physicians, and transplant centers.

Job description

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors.  SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate process necessary to make the gift of life through organ donation happen. The SFA brings essential equipment for surgery, and scrubs into surgery directly assisting our remarkable Surgical Organ Recovery Specialists. After surgery, the SFA helps deliver organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, and bowel in a chain of handoffs to the transplant recipient. 

  • Comprehensive anatomy training
  • Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection
  • Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices
  • Renal Pulsatile perfusion
  • How to independently recover research thoracic and abdominal organs
  • Independent recovery of heart for valve tissue processing
  • Logistics around organ recovery and transplantation

This position has 3 career levels, with increased knowledge required at each level. We hire at all levels commiserate with relevant experience. Those with more experience can advance the levels faster while meeting the goals of each level. Applicants with all levels of experience are encouraged to apply.

What you will do:

  • Work a 24-hour on-call schedule
  • Travel by personal automobile, commercial and chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenter’s donation service area which includes Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington
  • Provide rapid on-site response
  • Acts as Surgical First Assist to the Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist, or visiting surgeon
  • Responsible for renal pulsatile perfusion of suitable kidneys for optimal transplantation outcomes.
  • Trained to independently recover organs for research and heart for valve processing
  • Preservation and packaging of organs for optimal transplantation outcomes
  • Document case data and complete recovery documentation within assigned timeframe.
  • Ensures effective communication and strong collaboration with hospital personnel, physicians, related donation agencies, transplant centers, and other LifeCenter staff. 
  •  Assist thoracic recovery teams with recovery perfusion and packaging

What you need:

  • Previous Operating Room (O.R.) experience
  • Certification or relevant surgical training
  • Hands on experience with tissue manipulation, sharp and blunt dissection skills, tying and suturing skills
  • The ability to meet schedule and travel requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds with or without assistance
  • Knowledge of anatomy and aseptic technique
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. For those that need to complete the vaccination series, start dates will be adjusted. 

Who we want:

  • Someone who shares our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage
  • Surgical First Assist experience

Experience that translates well into this role:  The Organ Procurement Industry is unique, but generally we find that people with experience in the following industries can be successful in this position:

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST.

LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be found at https://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

PAY RANGE

SFA I: $91,429 - $132,608 Salary
SFA II: $94,560 - $141,840 Salary
SFA III: $99,200 - $148,800 Salary

The pay range for this role is provided above. Where a candidate’s compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.

This position is eligible for additional compensation to the base pay rate, in the form of Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential and Holiday Stipend Pay.

LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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