1

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

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Surgical First Assistant information

See Layton, UT salary details

$15

$34

$69

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Layton, UT is $34.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.31 and $37.98 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.

What cities near Layton, UT are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Layton, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 63% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,155 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Travel First Assist Technician

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions HCA

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Contractor

Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions HCA is seeking a travel First Assist Technician for a travel job in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist Technician
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: 09/07/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel


TRAVEL-Surgical First Assistant   (801)
Shift: 7:00AM-5:00PM


13 WEEK ASSIGNMENT, 36 HOURS
 

Unit Information:  Cardiac First Assistant Tech – Vein Harvester 80116

Location: St. Mark’s Hospital

Address:1200 E 3900 S  Salt Lake City, Ut 84124

Floor:2nd

Building:Main

General Information

Tell us about the unit(s):

·       Number of CVORs – 2.5

·       Number of Staff –

·       Shift for the Traveler --- 0600-1430

·       On Call Requirements – Every third weekend, every third weekday

·       Weekend Requirements: Rotate call every third

Typical hiring profile

Skill Set Most recruited for: 

 

Must have:  candidates without these skills will not be considered for the role.

·        At least 2 years of independent Endoscopic Vein Harvest utilizing either Terumo or Maquet 6 Pro

·       At least 2 years of Open Heart First Assist experience

About HealthTrust Workforce Solutions HCA

At HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, healthcare is not just about the four walls of a facility but about the people who provide and receive care. Our focus is on empowering healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional patient experiences by providing them with the necessary skills, tools, and support. We partner with healthcare facilities nationwide to ensure that the right professionals are in the right roles. We prioritize our clinicians by giving them a voice and access to opportunities to fulfill their mission of improving lives by providing quality patient care.


We are committed to our core values of Trust, Innovation, Adaptability, Courage, and Accountability. We are dedicated to positively impacting the healthcare industry by providing first-priority access to more than 200,000 jobs nationwide to our healthcare professionals. Join us and be part of the HealthTrust family, where you can make a difference every day.


We embrace our changing environment, and we maintain a culture that has a rich tradition of transforming itself to meet the challenges of the future.


MISSION STATEMENT


While putting great people in the right roles is essential, our mission is far greater. We want our clinicians to be part of the HealthTrust family, where healthcare professionals have a voice and are empowered with the right tools and opportunities to fulfill their personal mission of improving lives. Plus, as a preferred partner to thousands of top-performing hospitals, we provide our healthcare professionals with first-priority access to more than 200,000 jobs nationwide.

Benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • Continuing Education
  • Life insurance