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Surgical First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$69.74/hr

Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! This position will be full time, days and shifts will vary based on case load. We offer great pay based on ...

HiredFirst

Surgical First Assistant

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$2.1K/wk

Surgical First Assistant Location: Glendale, AZ Specialty: Surgical First Assistant Assignment Length: 13 weeks with possible extension Hours per Week: 36 Schedule: Days Shift Time: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM ...

UVA Health

Surgical First Assistant

Culpeper, VA

$42.06/hr

Surgical First Assistant Job Code: SS1701 Work a minimum of 3 ten hour shifts 0700-1730 per 6 weeks and one call weekend call shift depending on departments needs per 6 weeks. ABOUT US We are ...

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How much do surgical first jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical first in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do surgical first assistants make more than nurses?

Surgical first assistants generally earn higher salaries than registered nurses due to their specialized training and responsibilities in assisting during surgeries. While nurses' salaries vary based on experience and location, surgical assistants often have higher pay because of their advanced skills and certification requirements.

What is a Surgical First Assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons during operations to provide direct patient care. Their responsibilities include helping to control bleeding, suturing incisions, exposing the operative area, and ensuring the surgical field remains clear. They play a critical role in supporting the surgical team, improving surgical outcomes, and enhancing patient safety. Surgical First Assistants may be nurses, physician assistants, or other trained medical professionals who have received specialized training in surgical procedures.

How does a Surgical First Assistant typically interact with the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the surgeon and collaborating with the entire operating room team. During procedures, they work closely with surgeons to provide direct patient care, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and ensuring optimal visualization of the surgical field. They also communicate regularly with nurses, anesthesiologists, and technologists to maintain a safe and efficient environment, often anticipating the needs of the surgeon and proactively addressing potential challenges. This high level of teamwork requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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 hold a certification such as CSFA or CFA after completing an accredited program. Proficiency with surgical instruments, retractors, suturing techniques, and familiarity with operating room technology are crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure set outstanding assistants apart. These competencies ensure patient safety and efficiency during surgeries, directly impacting surgical outcomes.

What is the difference between Surgical First vs Surgical Assistant?

AspectSurgical FirstSurgical Assistant
CertificationsTypically requires surgical technician or assistant certificationsRequires surgical technician or assistant certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in operating rooms, assisting during surgeriesWorks alongside surgeons, assisting with procedures and patient care
Job RolePrepares operating rooms, sterilizes equipment, assists during surgerySupports surgeons during procedures, manages instruments, patient positioning

Both Surgical First and Surgical Assistant roles involve assisting in the operating room and require similar certifications. However, Surgical First often focuses more on preparing the environment and sterilization, while Surgical Assistants are more involved in directly supporting surgeons during procedures. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path in surgical support roles.

How to become a surgical first?

To become a surgical first assistant, you typically need to complete a relevant healthcare education program, such as a surgical technology or nursing degree, and obtain certification like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential. Gaining experience in surgical settings and developing skills in anatomy, sterile techniques, and patient care are also important for this role.

How much does a surgical 1st assistant make?

A surgical first assistant typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. They assist surgeons during procedures, often requiring certification and familiarity with surgical tools and protocols.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized surgical support, such as urban areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.
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Surgical First jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Surgical First Assistant

Surgical First Assistant

Inova

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$69.74/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Inova Fairfax Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! This position will be full time, days and shifts will vary based on case load. We offer great pay based on experience, sign-on bonus and relocation assistance, if eligible! Plus, don't forget about our other amazing benefits and perks!
Inova is consistently ranked as a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.
Inova Featured Benefits:
  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities

Surgical First Assistant Job Responsibilities:
  • The Surgical First Assistant ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development in life-long learning.
  • Provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice, serves as a resource preceptor, and mentor.
  • Provides safe therapeutic care by collaboration with surgeons and health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
  • Utilizes standards, guidelines and pathways for care delivery.
  • Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes.
  • Teamwork-communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others and has respect for and understanding other clinical disciplines.
  • Serves as a resource in at least 2 specialty areas/procedures.
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: Completion of Surgical First Assistant program through an accredited organization; or Medical school graduate with surgical training; or completion of a surgical assistant training program during military service in the United States.
  • Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Surgical First Assistant; or 2 years of Surgical Technologist experience
  • Certification: Basic Life Support from American Heart Association required upon start.
  • License: Licensed as Surgical Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia required upon start

Preferred experience:
  • AAS in Surgical Assisting or Surgical Technologist
  • Experience in the areas of Robotics, GYN and OB preferred.

About Us
We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare.
Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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