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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Mobile, AL (NOW HIRING)

HighFive Healthcare

Surgical Assistant

Mobile, AL · On-site

Surgical Assistant At Mobile Oral and Facial Surgery, we are seeking a skilled and compassionate ... We value a friendly, patient first attitude! * Strong verbal and written communication skills.

HighFive Healthcare

Surgical Assistant

Mobile, AL · On-site

Responsibilities * Assist the Oral Surgeon during a variety of oral and maxillofacial procedures to ... We value a friendly, patient first attitude! * Strong verbal and written communication skills.

HighFive Healthcare

Surgical Assistant

Mobile, AL · On-site

At Mobile Oral and Facial Surgery, we are seeking a skilled and compassionate Surgical Assistant to ... We value a friendly, patient first attitude! * Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Mobile, AL is $37.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.81 and $41.49 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 Mobile, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,714 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant - Operating Room, Providence Hospital

USA Health

Mobile, AL • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

USA Health rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.


Responsibilities
  • Surgical Technologist - First Assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the Surgical Technologist - First Assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The Surgical Technologist - First Assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. The role of the Surgical Technologist - First Assistant includes Positioning the patient; Providing visualization of the operative site; Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis; Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate; Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes; Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings; Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; Regular and prompt attendance; Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required; Related duties as required.
  • Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
  • Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
  • Regular and prompt attendance
  • Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
  • Related duties as assigned

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.


Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist Required
  • Completion of a Surgical Assisting program accredited through the Accreditaton Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) Required
  • Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Upon Hire Required
  • Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist Required
  • Completion of a Surgical Assisting program accredited through the Accreditaton Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) Required
  • Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Upon Hire Required
  • Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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