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

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ... Paid Time Off (PTO) - Up to 23 days of PTO within your first year of employment - 28 days after 1 ...

As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees ... Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ...

As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees ... Vision Care - The Vision Care Plan is administered by Avesis and can assist with the costs of eye ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical First Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$16

$38

$77

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Rochester, MN is $38.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $42.50 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 are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN?

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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,607 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Anatomy Laboratory Technician

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 705 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Organizational Relationships: 

Reports to and receives direction from appropriate campus leadership (Center for Procedural Innovation Coordinator, Operations Administrator, Operations Manager or other as assigned). Works collaboratively with physicians, scientists, allied health staff, simulation center staff, research staff, course directors and external visitors. 

Position Overview (Major Functions and Non-Essential Functions): 

The Senior Laboratory Technician utilizes their surgical and procedural knowledge and expertise to provide expert professional services, including provision of required equipment and instrumentation, to support the needs of all Mayo and external educators, innovators and researchers. The Senior Laboratory Technician is responsible for supporting the educational, clinical and research activities of the assigned laboratory, including preparing the environment, care and operation of equipment, instrument set-up, cleaning and sterilization, monitoring inventory of supplies and re-setting following an activity. The Senior Laboratory Technician will handle cadaveric tissue, communicate policies, procedures, and expectations, assist with data collection/management, dispose of hazardous waste according to policy/protocol, and assist with surgical procedures and support activities as assigned. 

In laboratories where animal tissue is utilized, the Senior Laboratory Technician will handle such tissue. In laboratories with a donor program, the Senior Laboratory Technician will provide general laboratory support including embalming, portioning and tissue management. In laboratories that work closely with simulation centers, the Senior Laboratory Technician will be cross trained to support simulation activities including the preparation and operation of simulation equipment.

The Senior Laboratory Technician will maintain current knowledge of equipment, instrumentation and supplies and their vendors required to support the laboratory, assist in the evaluation of equipment and order instrumentation and supplies. The Senior Laboratory Technician will provide training and mentorship to junior staff, proactively recommend updates to policies and procedures and make recommendations on the proficient use of surgical equipment and sterile surgical techniques. The Senior Laboratory Technician will assist in scheduling laboratory space and tissue and the associated billing process. 

Activities may occur and require support outside of the regular working day, most commonly evenings and weekends. 

**Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  Also, Mayo Clinic DOES NOT participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program.

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required (Minimum Job Requirements, Education Requirements, Experience): 

Associate degree in life science or healthcare related field (Associate degree in another area or higher equivalent certification or program completion, e.g., Certified Surgical Tech, Military Surgical Tech, Surgical First Assistant or similar may be considered) and five (5) years of surgical or procedural experience working within a hospital, clinical, or pathology setting; OR bachelor's degree in a life science or healthcare related field and three (3) years of surgical or procedural experience working within a hospital, clinical, or pathology setting. Relevant experience may include work in the operating room, critical care or emergency medicine, bioskills or anatomy labs, willed body donation programs, medical examiner's offices, veterinary clinics, or other settings involving hands-on procedural work. Demonstrated proficiency of surgical or procedural techniques, instrumentation, specimen handling, and laboratory management required as well as proficiency in problem-solving, organization and self-direction. 

Additional Experience and/or Qualifications (Has Achieved Competency in the Following Areas, Job Knowledge and Additional Considerations): 

Must have the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Ability to be flexible and adapt to unpredictable situations. Flexibility in work hours that includes occasional off hours, evenings and weekends. Excellent problem solving, communication, and organizational skills. 

In laboratories where animal tissue is utilized, experience with animal procedures is preferred. 

In laboratories that work closely with the simulation centers, experience with simulation equipment is preferred.

Licensure/Certification Required: Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Forensic Autopsy Technician, or Veterinary Technician license with surgical or dissection experience preferred.


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About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919