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Surgical Tech First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Surgical Tech First Assist information

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$2.9K

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical tech first assist 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.

What are Surgical Tech First Assists?

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 cities are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assist jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Tech First Assist job openings:
What states have the most Surgical Tech First Assist jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Tech First Assist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Us

At Vitruvian Health, we serve with compassion. As northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee's leading healthcare system, we are committed not only to the health of our communities, but also to the growth, support, and success of our team members.

Formerly Hamilton Health Care System, Vitruvian Health is built on a legacy of trust, innovation, and exceptional care. With over 80 points of access across the region, including Hamilton Medical Center and Bradley Medical Center, we offer the opportunity to be part of something bigger: a connected, mission-driven team changing lives every day.

Our core values, Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence (PRIDE), guide everything we do. We believe in empowering our people, celebrating differences, and delivering care that reflects the heart of our mission.

Join us and build a meaningful career where you're valued, inspired, and supported to make a real impact.


Excellence. Every person. Every time.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs scrub tech/First Assistant duties for surgical cases and assists registered nurse and surgeon in caring for the surgical patient.. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of aseptic techniques. Must demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient being served. This position is an expansion of the function of the Tech Level II in that in addition to being able to function as an assistant to the surgeon at the sterile field, providing tissue retraction for better view of the surgical wound site, hemostasis and wound closures at the end of the procedure.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of an Surgical Technology program accredited by the committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or another avenue of entry otherwise acceptable to the Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists or the American board of Surgical Assistants. Graduate of a Surgical Technologist First Assistant course.

Licensure: Certified Surgical Technologist , or current Certification of CST-CFA, or SA-C, along with 3 years experience as an CST with competency in all specialties..

Experience: A minimum of 3 years progressive, diversified experience in the operating room which includes both scrubbing and First Assisting in multiple specialties.

Skills: Advanced skills as a surgical technologist, which include the application of surgical anatomy and operative techniques to operative procedures. Helps to position patient for best access to the operative site, prepping of the surgical site and draping. Provides hemostatsis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points and by ligating vessels and other means directed by the surgeon. Provides exposure to the surgical site through appropriate use instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques. Handles tissue and sutures all variets of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques as directed by the surgeon. Performs ST-FA/SA-C interventions under the direction and supervision of the operating surgeon. Works closely with registered nurse and other OR team members to provide care for the surgical patient.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in surgical suite under aseptic conditions, cool temperatures. Exposure to hazards found in surgical areas. Requires call duty and ability to work flexible schedule. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye hand coordination. Requires standing for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires working under stressful conditions with the ability to adapt to rapid turn over of patient census.