1

Surgical Tech First Assist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Tech

Cheboygan, MI · On-site

$23.67 - $33.84/hr

Independently first scrubs surgical procedures in a variety of surgical specialties ... * Assist surgeons during procedures by maintaining aseptic technique, passing instruments ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical Tech First Assist information

See Michigan salary details

$628

$1.6K

$2.5K

How much do surgical tech first assist jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical tech first assist in Michigan is $1,640.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,223.08 and $2,011.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech first assist?

Surgical Tech First Assists, also known as Surgical First Assistants or First Assists, are allied health professionals who work closely with surgeons during operations. They provide direct support in the operating room by helping with tasks such as controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring a sterile environment. Their advanced skills and specialized training enable them to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and contribute to optimal patient outcomes. In addition to assisting during surgery, they may also help with preoperative and postoperative care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech first assist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech First Assist, you need knowledge of surgical procedures, aseptic technique, anatomy, and a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and successful outcomes during operations.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech First AssistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssists during surgeries, works closely with surgeonsPrepares operating rooms, sterilizes equipment, assists in surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

The Surgical Tech First Assist and Surgical Technologist roles both work in surgical settings, but the First Assist has advanced training to actively assist during procedures, while the Technologist primarily prepares the operating room and supports the surgical team. The First Assist typically holds additional certifications and works more directly with surgeons during surgeries.

How does a surgical tech first assist typically collaborate with surgeons and the rest of the operating room team during procedures?

As a Surgical Tech First Assist, you will work closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to ensure each procedure runs smoothly. Your primary responsibilities include assisting the surgeon directly by providing exposure, controlling bleeding, and suturing wounds, as well as anticipating the needs of the surgical team. Effective communication and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential, as you will often need to respond quickly to changing circumstances in the operating room. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient outcomes but also provides valuable learning experiences and professional growth opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Tech First Assist jobs in Michigan?

For Surgical Tech First Assist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,311 per year, or $41 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

McLaren Northern Michigan

Petoskey, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


McLaren Health Care rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sign on Bonus $10,000
Normal duties of the Surgical First Assistant "as defined by the American College of Surgeons, the Surgical First Assistant provides exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patients. This role may vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area and type of facility." The Surgical First Assistant demonstrates advanced knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Certification as a surgical technologist which provides evidence of meeting national standards in the performance of duties which demonstrates the capability of training new Colleagues/orientees. 
Scrubs for cases according to established sterile procedures and changes into appropriate operative attire; dons sterile gown and gloves and assist surgeon with same. 
Assists surgeon with draping of patient maintaining sterile technique. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure. Assists in providing hemostasis to the surgeon. 
Passes instruments, sponges, sutures and other sterile supplies and equipment as needed. Expedites the operative procedure by anticipating the needs of the surgeon 
Receives surgical specimens, places in appropriate container and fixative (if required) at end of procedure. 
Counts sponges, needles and instruments according to MNM policy 301700. 
Cleans surgical suite according to established protocol ensuring that all disposable items are placed in the appropriate bags, i.e. Biohazard Red bags for any items containing blood or body fluids. 
Utilized appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes. 
Under the direction of the surgeon the Surgical First Assistant may be responsible to procure in vivo conduits (i.e. greater and lesser saphenous veins, arm veins and radial arteries) and other duties. 
Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed by surgeon. 
 
Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program. Credentialed by the LCC-ST as a certified first assistant. 
Certification as a certified first assistant. Must maintain certification status through required continuing education in related field. 
CST with current certification and 2 full years of first assisting experience during the last 4 years with a documented 350 surgical cases. CST with current certification who has completed an approved first assistant program and can document 350 surgical cases. 
Documentation of a minimum of 150 surgical cases within the defined specialty area. Documentation or demonstration of other advanced-level expertise related to a defined specialty area. 
BLS Certification


Additional Information
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Requisition ID: 25001272
  • Daily Work Times: 6:45am - 7:15pm
  • Hours Per Pay Period: 72
  • On Call: Yes
  • Weekends: Yes

What McLaren Health Care employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom