ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Perham, MN

Surgical First Assistant information

See Perham, MN salary details

$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Perham, MN?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Perham, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,154 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

General Surgeon Needed for Locum Tenens Coverage in Minnesota

LocumTenens.com

Wadena, MN

$243K - $292K/yr

Temporary

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This Job at a Glance
  • Job Reference Id:  ORD-222441-MD-MN
  • Title:  MD
  • Dates Needed:  Holiday Coverage
  • Shift Type:  24-Hour Call
  • Assignment Type:  OR
  • Call Required:  Yes
  • Board Certification Required:  Yes
  • Job Duration:  Locums
About the Facility

This community-focused, nonprofit healthcare network provides hospital, primary care, specialty care, emergency services, and rehabilitation to rural communities. The facility operates with a mission centered on accessible, patient-first care and maintains the clinical infrastructure necessary to support call-based general surgery coverage on an on-site basis. Support staff are available to assist with clinical operations throughout the assignment.

About the Facility Location

Minnesota offers clinicians on assignment access to a broad range of activities and regional attractions. The state features arts, theater, live music, outdoor recreation, shopping, and diverse dining options, including culinary experiences rooted in Indigenous food traditions. Outdoor enthusiasts will find wildlife refuges, state parks, sporting clay ranges, and converted railroad trail systems spanning up to 126 miles, providing varied options for leisure and exploration during time away from clinical responsibilities.

About the Clinician's Workday

Clinicians will provide general surgery call coverage on 24-hour shifts at an on-site OR facility in Minnesota. Primary responsibilities include performing general surgery procedures and maintaining continuous availability for both scheduled and emergent surgical needs throughout each assigned call period.


Additional Job Details
  • Case Load/PPD:  TBD
  • Support Staff:  Yes
  • Call Ratio/Schedule:  Call coverage
  • Location Type:  On-Site
  • Prescriptive Authority Required:  Yes
  • Government:  No

Why choose LocumTenens.com?

Our services are 100% free for clinicians and are designed for a seamless experience with every assignment:

  • Precision job matching with proprietary algorithm
  • Rapid credentialing with Axuall Digital Wallet
  • Concierge support with a dedicated clinician deployment specialist
  • Digital hub for assignment details
LocumTenens.com logo

About LocumTenens.com

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are LocumTenens.com, a member of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies making up the second largest healthcare staffing firm in the U.S. (serving more than 7 million patients in over 1,400 healthcare facilities). You will find us included among Atlanta's Best Places to Work and ranked #6 on Fortune 2018 Best Companies to Work for in Health Care and Biopharma. We put Customers at the Core, which means we are committed to people. Our business places independent Healthcare providers across the country, especially to underserved markets.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alpharetta, GA, US

Year founded

1995

View All LocumTenens.com Jobs