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

RN- First Assist Surgery

Riverside, CA · On-site

$72.39 - $83.11/hr

Provides intra-operative retracting and surgical exposure. Utilizes instrumentation to perform appropriate functions. RNFA Certificate indicating successful completion of an accredited RNFA course ...

Provides intra-operative retracting and surgical exposure. Utilizes instrumentation to perform appropriate functions. Qualifications RNFA Certificate indicating successful completion of an accredited ...

Sr. Physician Assistant, Spine Service

Orange, CA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

The Physician Assistant will have the opportunity to serve as first assistant in surgery under the supervision of the attending physician and will perform complex orthopaedic and other medical ...

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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 Jun 22, 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.

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 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.

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:
Surgery - Cardiovascular Physician Assistant

Surgery - Cardiovascular Physician Assistant

Solomon Page

San Bernardino, CA

Full-time

Posted 19 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 /