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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.06/hr

What additional preferences we're seeking * 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all ...

Ascension

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$34.72 - $48.41/hr

What additional requirements you'll need * 3 or more years experience as Surgical First Assistant Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health ...

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All JobsSurgical First JobsSurgical First Assistant JobsSurgical First Assistant Jobs in Wheaton, IL

Surgical First Assistant information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$16

$36

$73

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Wheaton, IL is $36.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.04 and $40.43 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

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Wheaton, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,692 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Surgical Tech First Assist CSFA - Surgery

Chicago, IL • On-site

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital
See more jobs at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospitalexternal

$37.12/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview

Department: Surgery

Schedule: Per Diem (PRN), Days

Hospital: St. Mary of Nazareth

Location: Chicago, IL 60622

Responsibilities

The position of Certified Surgical First Assistant reports to the Clinical Manager/Director of Surgical Services in the Surgery department/unit. The mission of the Surgery Department is to provide a 24/7 high touch, high tech and efficient environment for our patients requiring elective, urgent or emergent surgical intervention.  The Certified Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 

1.     Certification of completion from a medical education program approved by the Division, or has graduated from a United States Military Program that emphasizes surgical assisting

2.     Certified Surgical First Assistant. Proof of current certification by one of the following certifying bodies: the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants as a Certified Surgical Assistant; the National Board of                   Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting as a Certified Surgical First Assistant; or American Board of Surgical Assistants as Surgical Assistant-Certified.

3.     Must be proficient in the following specialties: Major Vascular, Thoracic, Open Heart, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, General

4.     Five years' experience in an acute care operating room in the scrub role, preferred. 

5.     Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Provider affirmation by American Heart Association.

Pay Transparency

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital offers competitive compensation and a reasonable compensation estimate for this role is $37.12 to $37.12. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/

Employment StatusPer DiemShiftDaysEqual Employment Opportunity

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

 #LI-VO1Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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