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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure. Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture ...

New

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

... in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician ... Physician Assistant Practice Act, Medical Board of California guidelines, and organizational ...

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA

$100K - $136K/yr

... in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician ... Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and ...

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician ... Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and ...

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

... in surgical procedures, and delivering patient education under the supervising physician ... Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$17

$39

$79

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Riverside, CA is $39.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $43.65 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.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 57% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,704 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Surgery - Cardiovascular Physician Assistant

Solomon Page

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Experienced Locums Cardiac Surgery (NP/PA) needed in SoCal

Inland Empire San Bernardino, CA

A hospital and medical office in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino, CA) is seeking an experienced Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to support General Surgery coverage. This assignment is due to a recent provider departure, with a permanent replacement already in progress.

️ Schedule & Availability
  • Start: ASAP once credentialed
    • Credentialing may take up to 90 days
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Shift Times: 24 hour shifts (7:00 AM 7:00 AM)
  • Frequency: 4 shifts per month
Practice Setting
  • Facility Type: Hospital & Medical Office
  • EMR: Cerner
  • Patient Volume: 4 5 patients per day
  • Support Staff: 3 other APPs
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Surgical first assist
  • Hospital rounding (daily on assigned shift dates)
  • On call coverage (paged or called as needed)
  • ️ Rooming and charting
Required Experience & Procedures
  • Strong surgical experience REQUIRED
  • Required procedures include:
    • ️ CABG
    • Aortic Valve Replacements (AVR)
    • Lung procedures
  • Vein harvesting experience required

Deal Breaker: No surgical experience

Call & Coverage Details
  • Call Type: Beeper / call back
  • Rounding: Required daily during assigned shifts
  • Coverage Scope: General Surgery only
    • No pediatrics or burn coverage
If interested, please respond to Stacy Neifeld at /