ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

LanceSoft

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Marshall, MI · On-site

Specialty: Surgical First Assistant * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: ASAP ... Certified Surgical Technologist About LanceSoft Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a Certified MBE ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSurgical Tech First JobsSurgical Tech First Assistant JobsSurgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Surgical Tech First Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$23

$54

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech first assistant in Michigan is $23.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $26.20 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 Michigan are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan 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 Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,787 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

McLaren Northern Michigan

Petoskey, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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

531st of 889 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

Apply