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Surgical First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$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 ...

LifeCenter Northwest

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$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 ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Dickson, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assist- FT Days Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to ...

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$75

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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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What states have the most Surgical First Assistant jobs?

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Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

Physicians Regional Medical Center - Pine Ridge

Naples, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Surgical First Assistant 

Our Benefits:

  • Up to 10,000 Student Loan Repayment
  • Health, Medical, Dental, & Vision
  • Paid Time Off PTO
  • Life Insurance coverage
  • 401(k) with match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Sunny Naples, Florida


Shift

  • Full-Time
  • Days 10 hour shift 
  • 45 minute call  
  • Physicians Regional Pine Ridge:  6101 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34119

Physicians Regional – Surgical Services

Join a high-performing team utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted systems, across a wide range of medical specialties

Practice in a modern, fast-paced environment where your technical expertise is vital to ensuring surgical excellence and patient safety

Job Summary
The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures, ensuring efficient operative and invasive procedures by maintaining the sterile field, providing necessary instruments and supplies, and assisting in critical surgical tasks. This role requires advanced technical skills to support the surgical team, including positioning patients, retracting tissues, controlling bleeding, suturing, and applying dressings. The Surgical Technician First Assist collaborates with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes and post-operative care.
Essential Functions

  • Functions as a scrub person during surgical procedures, preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining an organized sterile field, and providing necessary instruments and supplies to the surgical team.
  • Performs first assistant duties, including providing exposure through instrument handling, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques as directed by the surgeon.
  • Handles and dissects tissues, clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, and places drains as instructed by the surgeon.
  • Assists with wound closure, including suturing subcutaneous layers and skin, applying staples, and dressing surgical sites per surgeon instructions.
  • Ensures sterility and safety standards, conducting proper counting procedures with the RN circulator, following infection control protocols, and taking corrective actions if needed.
  • Prepares and transports surgical instruments for decontamination, ensuring proper handling and sterilization for future use.
  • Assists in post-procedure room turnover, ensuring procedural areas are properly cleaned and prepared for subsequent surgeries.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

  • 1-3 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or First Assist in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Proficiency in surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and sterile field maintenance.
  • Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural workflows.
  • Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly to intraoperative changes.
  • Strong attention to detail in surgical counting procedures, patient positioning, and procedural safety.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills, ensuring smooth collaboration with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers.
  • Knowledge of infection control standards, regulatory compliance, and patient safety guidelines.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure surgical environment, demonstrating composure and professionalism.

Licenses and Certifications

  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required and
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA required or
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NSAA required
  • BCLS - Basic Life Support required
  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred

Apply