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Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beebe Healthcare

SURGICAL FIRST ASSIST

Lewes, DE

$30 - $46.50/hr

Pet Insurance Overview The Surgical First Assist provides direct support to the surgeon during surgical procedures. This role involves assisting in surgery, performing specific tasks under the ...

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA

$99K - $148K/yr

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate ...

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Insight

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient professional who works directly under the supervision of the attending surgeon to provide advanced ...

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Surgical First Assistant information

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$16

$37

$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in the United States is $37.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Surgical First Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:
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What states have the most Surgical First Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical First Assistant jobs include:
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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Certified Surgical First Assistant

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Medworks Surgical

Seattle, WA • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About the Role
Medworks is seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant to support surgical procedures across hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in the Seattle, WA area.
This is a mobile role requiring regular travel between local facilities. The Surgical First Assistant works directly with surgeons and clinical teams to support safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care during surgical procedures.
Responsibilities
Pre-Operative
  • Prepare operating rooms with sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment
  • Assist with patient positioning and surgical site preparation

Intra-Operative
  • Maintain a sterile field and adhere to aseptic technique standards
  • Provide direct assistance to surgeons, including retracting, suturing, and cauterizing
  • Anticipate the surgeon's needs and support efficient workflow
  • Operate and assist with surgical and laser equipment

Post-Operative
  • Assist with room turnover, cleaning, and restocking
  • Document case details and equipment usage accurately

Required Qualifications
  • Active certification as one of the following:
    • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)
    • Certified First Assistant (CFA)
    • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
    • Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C)
  • Knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterile technique
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • 1+ year of experience as a Surgical First Assistant
  • Experience in urology, gynecology, or general surgery

Schedule & Travel
  • Monday-Friday schedule based on surgical cases
  • Occasional early start times, extended days, and on-call shifts
  • Frequent travel between Seattle-area healthcare facilities
  • Reliable transportation required

Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay range: $100,000 - $110,000
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off
  • Vehicle stipend

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and move equipment
  • Ability to work in a surgical/clinical environment

About Medworks
Medworks provides surgical equipment and support services to healthcare facilities, specializing in urology, gynecology, and general surgery procedures.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Medworks is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.

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