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

Mercyhealth

Surgical Technologist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$22.73 - $34.10/hr

Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. * Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure.

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$9/hr

Prepare the Operating Room prior to surgery. * Assist the surgeon during surgery. * Care for the instruments and supplies used in surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits ...

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Anticipate the needs of and assist surgeons during surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two ...

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Anticipate the needs of and assist surgeons during surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two ...

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Anticipate the needs of and assist surgeons during surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two ...

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Anticipate the needs of and assist surgeons during surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two ...

UW Health

Surgical Technologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Anticipate the needs of and assist surgeons during surgery. At UW Health, you will have : * An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two ...

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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.
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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
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.

Nursing Assistant - Medical/Surgical - 30% FTE, Evening/Night

UW Health

Madison, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

UW Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 226 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Work Schedule:
.30 FTE, 12 hours per week. This is an Evening/Night position with(12) twelve-hour shifts, 7pm-7:30am, Monday through Friday. No weekends unless assigned Holiday's fall on the weekend. Hours may vary based on operational needs of department. You will work at East Madison Hospital in Madison, WI.
Pay:
  • UW Health offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Work experience that is relevant to the position will be taken into consideration when determining the starting base pay.
  • This position may be eligible for a $900 sign-on bonus (pro-rated on FTE).
  • Additional components of compensation may include:
    • Evening and night shift differential
    • Weekend differential
Be part of something remarkable
Join our growing team who consistently earns top honors for patient care and continually look for new and innovative ways to provide patient and family-centered care.
We are seeking a Nursing Assistant (CNA, NA) to:
  • We are expanding services at East Madison Hospital on the Medical/Surgical Inpatient floors!
  • Be a supportive partner with Registered Nurses on an inpatient Medical Surgical unit and provide care to both medical and surgical patients.
  • Provide direct physical care and basic nursing procedures and treatments in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. You'll assist with activities of daily living, repositioning, transfers, patient mobility, and intentional rounding and performing 12 lead ECGs.
  • Interact and engage with visitors, patients, and their family members to establish a trusting relationship to provide high-quality care.
  • Join a state-of-the-art facility that takes innovation to a whole new level.
At UW Health, you will have:
  • Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
  • Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
  • Tuition reimbursement - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
Qualifications:
  • Graduate of State of Wisconsin approved Nurse Aid Training Program Required
Work Experience:
  • 1 year of recent experience as a Nursing Assistant Preferred
Licenses & Certifications:
  • Listed on the State of Wisconsin Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aid Registry Upon Hire Required
  • BLS/CPR certification within 3 months Required

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
East Madison Hospital - is UW Health's newest hospital and one of the most advanced hospitals and wellness centers in the country. Here, health care is seen as a holistic endeavor where our mission is to not only diagnose and treat you when you're sick, but also to partner with you in health and wellness.
Job Description
UW Hospital and Clinics benefits

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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About UW Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

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