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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Gaffney, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$15

$34

$70

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Gaffney, SC is $34.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.79 and $38.70 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.
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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Gaffney, SC are:

What cities near Gaffney, SC are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Gaffney, SC with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Gaffney, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,484 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

General Surgery Physician Assistant

Spartanburg Regional Health Services District, Inc.

Spartanburg, SC

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is seeking a full-time Physician Assistant to join our MGC - Division of Surgery - Skylyn located in Spartanburg, SC. This is an excellent opportunity to work with our Board-Certified General Surgeons. New grads will not be considered at this time.

Position Highlights:

* Work 1:1 with our Board-Certified General Surgeon

* Provide surgical first assist

* Perform clinic duties diagnosing and treating general surgical patients

* Assisting with hospital rounds/call at multiple hospital locations to include Spartanburg Medical Center - Mary Black Campus

* First call will be 1 in 6 weekends to include hospital rounds and 1 in 3 weekday call for Pelham and Mary Black

Benefits:

* $3,500 annual CME allowance & 5 days CME time

* PTO accrual

* Relocation assistance

* Comprehensive hospital employee benefits and retirement options

Qualifications:

* 1-2 years PA experience required

* Prior surgical experience is required

Contact Information:

Katie Roberts

Physician Recruiter

864-560-4270

kroberts4@srhs.com

What Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System employees say

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About Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is a leader in the healthcare industry, located in Spartanburg, SC, US. As a comprehensive health system, it offers services encompassing everything from wellness, prevention, and care coordination to specific medical treatments for a wide range of diseases and health issues. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System was founded in 1921 and has since developed a reputation for excellence and innovative care, growing to include six hospitals, 100 medical offices, 8,000 associates and more than 900 medical staff.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Spartanburg, SC, US

Year founded

1921

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