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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO

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$15

$34

$69

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.
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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,238 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Surgical 900 W - Weekend Option - Part Time Hours - Day Shift

Coxhealth

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

CoxHealth rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

534th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Facility:

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

Department:

1786 Surgical 900 W South

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

24

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:

Surgical 900 W South is a 25 bed adult med/surg unit. We care for a variety of patients with our specialty focused on GI and GU post-surgical patients. We offer special training for suprapubic catheter insertion, post-bariatric surgery training and much more. Do you want to be a part of a team that puts patient care first and see a large variety of diagnosis; this is the place for you. We work very closely with other disciplines to provide excellent care and outcomes. Our unit is equipped with the latest technology, including the new virtual nursing program. We offer continuing education to all our staff and plenty of room for advancement! Apply today to be a part of this wonderful team!
The Registered Nurse is responsible for managing the care of the patients experiencing medical conditions or surgical procedures. The nurse must be able to assess patient condition, administer medications, change dressings, monitor vital signs, keep records and provide patients and families with support and education. The Registered Nurse maintains a wide array of medical care knowledge in order to care for a diverse group of patients.
Additional Information about the position:
$1.00 Certification pay
$1.00 BSN pay
Career Ladder Bonus eligible up to $5,000

Education:
Required: Graduate of an accredited nursing program or NLN approved program
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
Experience:
Preferred: Previous nursing experience
Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrate effective leadership abilities
Exhibits valuable time management skills
Strong critical thinking/problem solving skills.
Flexibility and ability to work in a multi-tasking environment.
Licensure/Certification/Registration
Required: RN license active in the state of Missouri

What CoxHealth employees say

Pay

Benefits

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