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Surgical First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$48.51 - $79.07/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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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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.
More about Surgical First jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical First jobs? Cities with the most Surgical First job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Surgical First jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical First jobs are:
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

Saint Thomas Surgicare (11660)

Hendersonville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Saint Thomas Surgicare is Hiring a Certified First Assistant
No weekends, no call, no Holidays!
Welcome to Saint Thomas Surgicare! Saint Thomas Surgicare is a dynamic, fast-paced Ambulatory Surgery Center dedicated to delivering exceptional quality care and an outstanding experience for patients and their families. At Saint Thomas Surgicare, we believe that health and compassionate care go hand in hand.
Our mission is to treat every patient and their family as if they were our own-providing the highest level of care, every time, without exception.
Certified First Assistant at Saint Thomas Surgicare
A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.

What We Offer
As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are
At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.
USPI is committed to, and proud of, our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.
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