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

Astrana Health, Inc.

RN First Assist

Tustin, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Our surgeons are supported by state-of-the-art robotics. Our Values * Put Patients First * Empower ... Successful completion of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) education program that includes a supervised ...

Astrana Health

RN First Assist

Tustin, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Our surgeons are supported by state-of-the-art robotics. Our Values * Put Patients First * Empower ... Successful completion of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) education program that includes a supervised ...

City of Hope

Physician Assistant - GI Surgery

Irvine, CA · On-site

$119K - $213K/yr

To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.   We are seeking a Physician Assistant with First Assist experience for Surgical Oncology at City of Hope in Irvine. The ...

Arrowhead Orthopaedics

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

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$17

$39

$79

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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.

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

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The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA 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:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,704 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Surgical Physician Assistant - First Assist

gpac

Riverside, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Location: California
An established surgical practice is seeking a Surgical Physician Assistant with first-assist experience.
This role includes approximately three operating room days each week, along with additional clinic time supporting patients before and after surgery.
Responsibilities
  • First assist during surgical procedures
  • Support the surgeon and operating room team
  • Complete pre-operative and post-operative visits
  • Educate patients about procedures and recovery
  • Monitor healing and follow-up care
  • Maintain accurate patient records
Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program
  • Active California PA license
  • Current NCCPA certification
  • Previous surgical or first-assist experience
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Plastic surgery, general surgery, ENT, urology, or related experience preferred
  • Must be well-versed in gender-affirming healthcare or welcome the opportunity to become knowledgeable in this area

For confidential consideration, send your resume to:
Taylor.Stevens@gogpac.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
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About GPAC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

Year founded

1990

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