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Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in California

TMS

Travel RN First Assistant (RNFA)

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$79 - $81/hr

RN First Assist Bakersfield, California Contract Dates: July 6, 2026 - November 8, 2026 Shift: 10 ... Advanced Surgical Technology: * Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System * Mako Robotic System * O-Arm ...

Mission Hospital

Surgical Tech - Surgical Tech

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$1.8K/wk

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Surgical Tech Specialty Surgical Tech Job ID 37754376 Job Title Surgical Tech - Surgical Tech ... first foundation where our healthcare and commercial professionals truly come first. Our high ...

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Surgical Tech First Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$61

How much do surgical tech first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech first assistant in California is $27.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical tech first assistant?

A Surgical Tech First Assistant, also known as a Surgical First Assistant or Surgical Assistant, is a highly skilled professional who works closely with surgeons during surgical procedures. Their main responsibilities include helping to control bleeding, closing incisions, handling tissues, and providing other critical support to ensure the operation goes smoothly. They may also be involved in preoperative and postoperative care. Surgical Tech First Assistants must have advanced training beyond that of a standard surgical technologist, often including certification and hands-on clinical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech first assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech First Assistant, you need a solid background in surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile technique, typically supported by completion of an accredited surgical assisting program and certification (such as CSFA or CFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic documentation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, support surgeons efficiently, and maintain smooth surgical workflows.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by surgical tech first assistants in the operating room?

Surgical Tech First Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to unexpected changes during procedures, maintaining sterile technique under pressure, and effectively anticipating the needs of the surgical team. They must also manage the demands of long surgeries and periods of standing, while ensuring clear communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

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

AspectSurgical Tech First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during procedures, operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, clinics

The Surgical Tech First Assistant works closely with surgeons during procedures, providing direct assistance, while Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and support the surgical team. Both roles require certification, but the First Assistant has additional training to perform more advanced tasks during surgery.

What cities in California are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings:

Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,374 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Surgical Technologist II

Mercy Hospital Of Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$33.84 - $42.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients.
Every day you will set up surgical equipment and instruments, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. You will be expected to adapt quickly, collaborate effectively within the OR team, and contribute directly to the patient's healing process.
To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset, and enthusiasm for supporting complex surgical procedures.

  • Participates in Quality Improvement activities.
  • Meets and addresses the age related needs of patient groups served, including neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned service area.
  • Understands and maintains aseptic technique, and proper cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing technique as identified in departmental policies and procedures. Identifies any break in technique immediately verbalizing and correcting the problem. Follows universal precautions.
  • Plans and prepares for assigned cases by, but not limited to, reviewing assignments at earliest available time, reviewing pertinent literature, preference cards, manufacturer information, discussing with company representative, discussing with surgeon, and by collaborating with knowledgeable peers.
  • Sets in motion the planning and preparation according to daily assignment by: a.Respecting patients' rights for privacy and confidentiality. b.Documenting appropriate changes on preference cards. c.Using supplies judiciously and in a cost- effective manner. d.Reviewing preference card and prepares self for surgical procedure. e. Handling surgical specimens accurately following departmental policy f. Documenting appropriate changes on preference cards g. Using supplies judiciously and in a cost-effective manner
  • Operates and maintains equipment and supplies following departmental policies and/or manufacturer's recommendations. Handles instruments and equipment in proper manner to preserve integrity of instrument. Reports the need for repairs to the materials office, supervisor, or enters maintenance request in order entry.
Job Requirements

Required:

  • High School Graduate General Studies or Two (2) years equivalent work experience., upon hire or
  • High School GED General Studies or Two (2) years equivalent work experience., upon hire and
  • Surgical Techs that began working as Surgical Techs after 1997 must be a graduate of an Surgical Technology program or completed a Surgical Tech Certification Program and Two (2) years minimum experience, upon hire and
  • Certified Surgical Technologist, upon hire or
  • Certified First Assistant - Certified Surgical Technologists, upon hire or
  • Technologist in Surgery-Certified, upon hire and
  • Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire (Must be through the American Heart Association)

Preferred:

  • Five (5) years experience in the related field
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • High School Graduate General Studies or Two (2) years equivalent work experience., upon hire or
  • High School GED General Studies or Two (2) years equivalent work experience., upon hire and
  • Surgical Techs that began working as Surgical Techs after 1997 must be a graduate of an Surgical Technology program or completed a Surgical Tech Certification Program and Two (2) years minimum experience, upon hire and
  • Certified Surgical Technologist, upon hire or
  • Certified First Assistant - Certified Surgical Technologists, upon hire or
  • Technologist in Surgery-Certified, upon hire and
  • Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire (Must be through the American Heart Association)

Preferred:

  • Five (5) years experience in the related field
Employment Type: Full Time

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