1

Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

Surgical Recovery Coordinator

Madison, WI · On-site

$29.52 - $44.28/hr

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

Surgical technician or surgical first assistant Preferred Work Experience * 1 year of experience in a surgical and/or pre-hospital environment, including but not limited to functioning as a surgical ...

Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure. Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Surgical First Assistant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$16

$37

$76

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Madison, WI is $37.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $42.16 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 are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Madison, WI?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,925 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Surgical First Assist Technologist Certified

SSM Health

Janesville, WI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

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


SSM Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 552 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling

WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Highlights:

Sign-on Bonus: Please speak with your recruiter about sign on bonus eligibility!

Schedule Options: Part Time (on call shifts required)

Benefits: Competitive, affordable health insurance including but not limited to:

  • Getting paid every day!
  • Access up to $5,250 in tuition coverage per year
  • Adoption assistance
  • Various competitive health insurance options & wellness plans
  • Retirement benefits including employer matching plans
  • Long & short-term disability
  • Employee assistance programs (EAP)
     

*Please note, benefits and eligibility can vary by position, exclusions may apply.

#CoreHire

Job Summary:

Assists surgeons skillfully during a variety of surgical procedures.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon. Provides exposure of operative site through use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
  • Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques. Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
  • Anticipates and plans individualized care based on advanced knowledge of the surgical procedure and anticipates unexpected patient and surgeon needs.
  • Prepares equipment, supply and resource needs based on an individualized plan of care. Re-evaluates and modifies resource needs as needed.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform all aspects of a variety of surgical procedures. Utilizes critical judgment to analyze patient assessment data to develop an appropriate plan of care.
  • Performs in a variety of surgical specialties as needed.
  • Demonstrates competence in delegation, problem solving, conflict resolution, and team building. Evaluates care given by team members and gives feedback. Maintains accountability for standard of care provided. Acts as a resource to other team members.
  • Demonstrates and maintains knowledge and skills necessary to meet physical, psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, and age appropriate needs of each patient.
  • Organizes and utilizes time efficiently. Demonstrates appropriate prioritization. Maintains an organized work environment.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively on a team. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, multidisciplinary team members and co-workers.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

  • Associate's degree or Clinical Certification

EXPERIENCE

  • Two years' experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Constant use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Constant use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Constant lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Frequent lifting/moving patients.
  • Frequent bending, stooping, reaching and gripping.
  • Frequent use of clear vision at 20 inches or less.
  • Frequent use of speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing over 50 lbs.
  • Occasional use of clear vision at 20 feet or more.
  • Occasional use of sitting, squatting, twisting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional keyboard use/data entry.
  • Rare kneeling.

    REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS 
     
    State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin 

  •         Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) 
  •         And 
  •             Certified First Assistant - American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) 
  •             Or 
  •             Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) 

Work Shift:

Variable Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

4403000026 Operating Room
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
24

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). 

  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. 

Explore All Benefits

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.


What SSM Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom