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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO

CoxHealth

Surgical Technologist II WEO

Springfield, MO · On-site

... assist with the care of the patient throughout their perioperative phase of hospitalization ... Graduate from a school of Surgical Technology or 5 years' experience as a Surgical Technologist ...

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See Springfield, MO salary details

$15

$34

$69

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Springfield, MO is $34.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.03 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 environments 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 much does a surgical first assistant make an hour?

A surgical first assistant typically earns between $30 and $70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certified assistants with specialized skills tend to earn higher wages, especially in hospitals or surgical centers that require advanced certifications and skills in sterile techniques and surgical procedures.

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 does a first assist do in surgery?

A surgical first assistant helps the surgeon during procedures by controlling bleeding, holding tissues, suturing, and providing exposure of the surgical site. They must have knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques and often work closely with the surgical team in the operating room.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA). Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare, such as a surgical technologist or nurse, and strong knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO? For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,238 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Surgical Technologist II WEO

Surgical Technologist II WEO

Coxhealth

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

CoxHealth rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 231 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

566th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Facility:

CoxHealth South: 3801 S National Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65807

Department:

1056 Operating Room South

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36

Hours:

6:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:

  • Named one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to work five times.

  • Named one of America's Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

  • Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.

  • Healthcare Innovation'sTop Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).

Benefits

  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)

  • For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here:Benefits | CoxHealth

Job Description:

A member of the healthcare team who functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and performs a variety of technical and supportive functions to assist with the care of the patient throughout their perioperative phase of hospitalization utilizing hospital/departmental standards, policies, protocols and procedures.Education: Required: Graduate from a school of Surgical Technology or 5 years' experience as a Surgical TechnologistExperience: Preferred: Previous hospital and/or work experience as a Surgical TechnologistSkills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Able to work independently and collaboratively in teams Strong analytical/problem solving skills Flexibility and ability to work in a multi-tasking environment Able to work in a fast paced environment Ability to maintain personal effectiveness while dealing with various personalities, skill levels, and rapidly changing situationsLicensure/Certification/Registration: N/A

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