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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Rigby, ID (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Rigby, ID salary details

$14

$32

$65

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Rigby, ID is $32.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.77 and $35.87 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 cities near Rigby, ID are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rigby, ID with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Rigby, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,151 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Surgical Services - CVOR Certified Surgical First Assist

Mission Hospital

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$1.9K/wk

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Mission Health (North Carolina) rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Details
Client Name
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center ID
Job Type
Travel
Offering
Allied
Profession
Surgical Services
Specialty
CVOR Certified Surgical First Assist
Job ID
19055602
Job Title
Surgical Services - CVOR Certified Surgical First Assist
Weekly Pay
$1707.0
Shift Details
Shift
DAYS
Scheduled Hours
36
Job Order Details
Start Date
10/26/2026
End Date
01/25/2027
Duration
13 Week(s)
Job Description
Our Client is currently seeking a Surgical Services for a position in Idaho Falls, ID. 3x12 Days shift. You must have current State Licensure and at least 1 year of recent CVOR Certified Surgical First Assist experience.
Requirements
  • Current Resume
  • State Licensure
  • Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications
  • 2 Current Clinical References
  • Physical (Within 12 Months)
  • TB Skin Test (Within 12 Months)
  • Titers - MMR/Hep B/Varicella
  • Respiratory Fit Test (Within 12 Months)
  • Current - Tdap/Flu Vaccinations
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment, background and urine drug screening
Compensation and Benefits
  • Estimated Total Gross Weekly Pay: $1971

At Honest Love Global Staffing, we take care of you - work with us, not for us!
Client Details
Address
3100 Channing Way
City
Idaho Falls
State
ID
Zip Code
83404

What Mission Health (North Carolina) employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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About Mission Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mission Hospital, located in Asheville, is Mission Health's flagship hospital and is licensed for 763 beds. Business North Carolina ranked Mission Hospital the No. 1 "Best Hospital" in North Carolina for 2017 and 2018, and Mission Hospital ranked among the top 1% of "Best Hospitals" nationally in 2016 by Healthgrades. We are the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care and the region's only Level II trauma center. Mission Hospital also includes Mission Children's Hospital - the region's only children's hospital - providing 30 pediatric sub-specialists. We're the busiest surgical hospital west of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the second-busiest in the state. Mission Hospital provides the only open heart and interventional cardiology in the region, and is the only Cyberknife provider west of Raleigh.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US