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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Springfield, OR

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Surgical First Assistant information

See Springfield, OR salary details

$17

$38

$78

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Springfield, OR is $38.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.11 and $43.27 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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For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Springfield, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Springfield, OR are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, OR with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Springfield, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,059 per year, or $39 per hour.

Travel Certified Surgical First Assist Job

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center

Springfield, OR • On-site

$2.7K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Travel Operating Room Nurse

This Operating Room travel nurse job in Springfield, Oregon, with Advantis Medical is a 13-week Travel Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) contract at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. This role pays $2,735 per week and follows a Days shift with a 4x10 schedule. As the Operating Room registered nurse on this assignment, you'll circulate surgical cases, verify patients, sites, and counts, participate in surgical time-outs, and safeguard sterile technique from setup through handoff to recovery.

Advantis Medical supports travel clinicians with streamlined credentialing to help with fast start dates, free license support and renewals, and Day 1 benefits.

Responsibilities
  • Circulate for surgical procedures and, when trained and assigned, perform the scrub role across assigned service lines
  • Advocate for patient safety under anesthesia, verifying required consent and site documentation and participating in surgical time-outs
  • Monitor and protect the sterile field, performing and reconciling instrument, sponge, and sharps counts with the perioperative team
  • Anticipate surgeon and team needs, managing supplies, equipment, positioning, and specimen handling per facility protocol
Travel Operating Room Requirements:
  • 2+ years of recent Operating Room experience.
  • Must hold all required certifications and licenses as mandated by Oregon and national regulatory bodies.
Benefits
  • Day One Benefits, Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)
  • Relocation and Travel Reimbursement
  • Dedicated team to help with state licensing & renewals
  • Weekly Direct Deposit
  • $1,000 Referral Bonus + $250 Bonus for Your Referral
Licensing in Oregon

Single-state license required. Oregon is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you'll need a state-specific license. Our licensing team handles endorsement and renewals for you.

Explore Springfield, OR

Springfield, Oregon is a destination for travel nurses and allied health professionals seeking an unforgettable career experience. Known for its unique cultural scene, this city offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and expansive outdoor adventures. Sample the culinary delights at the diverse food scene or immerse yourself in the famous attractions like the iconic Simpson mural. With a mild climate and proximity to nearby cities like Eugene, Springfield will captivate you with its exciting and inviting atmosphere. And with Advantis Medical, your career here will be nothing short of fantastic.

What McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center employees say

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