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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Perham, MN (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Perham, MN salary details

$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Perham, MN is $37.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.00 and $41.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

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 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 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.

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.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

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.

More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What cities near Perham, MN are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Perham, MN with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Perham, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,154 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

CST - Surgical Technologist (Casual/As Needed) - Day Shift

Essentia Health

Detroit Lakes, MN • On-site

$28.40 - $42.60/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Essentia Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Building Location:St Marys Hospital - Detroit LakesDepartment:3063400 SURGERY - DL HOSPJob Description:Essential Health is seeking a Surgical Technologist to serve on a casual, as needed basis at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. This CST supports call-ins and time off by picking up shifts as needed. This is a day schedule with varying shifts: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. No weekend or holiday rotations are required, and on-call is optional.Education Qualifications:
  • Graduate of accredited Surgical Technologist Program

About Essentia Health:

We are a top-rated employer offering work-life balance, long term career stability, opportunities for growth, and work you can be passionate about! Our mission guides us every day: We are called to make a healthy difference in people's lives. This calling resonates deeply for our caregivers and our colleagues working behind the scenes, who all bring high-quality, compassionate care to the patients we are privileged to serve. We are like nowhere else: https://vimeo.com/284233541

What You'll Do:

Functions under the supervision of an RN in providing technical interventions in the Operating Room to patients of all ages. They are also responsible for tasks relating to instrumentation, equipment, prosthesis, and supplies. May perform other duties as assigned by the department.

Employees scheduled 20+ hours weekly enjoy these benefits:
Health Insurance and HSA or FSA accounts

Dental and Vision insurances

Supplemental insurances- critical illness, accident, & hospital indemnity

Paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance

Supplemental Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO accrual and 7 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave after one year (24+ hours weekly required)

Adoption assistance after one year (24+ hours weekly required)

Bereavement & Jury Duty (all regularly scheduled employees)

All employees, including casual, enjoy these benefits:

Take Charge (employee wellness program)

Guidance Resources (free confidential counseling)

Employee discount program

401(k) retirement account (traditional & Roth)

401(k) matching & discretionary contributions (subject to service requirements)

Licensure/CertificationQualifications:
  • Certified as a Surgical Technologist is required one year after hire.
  • AHA Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification within 1 month of hire.
FTE:0

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:Day Rotation (United States of America)Shift Start Time:7a / 8a / 8:30aShift End Time:3:30p / 4:30p / 5pWeekends:NoHolidays:YesCall Obligation:NoUnion:Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range:

$28.40 - $42.60Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

What Essentia Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Essentia Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 13,500 employees, including 3,500 registered nurses & licensed practical nurses, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people's lives. Essentia Health, which includes many Catholic facilities, is guided by the values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship and Teamwork. The organization lives out its mission by having a patient-centered focus at 14 hospitals, 70 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, MN, US

Year founded

2004

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