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Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Certified Surg Tech - First Assist

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Surgical Tech First Assistant The Surgical Tech First Assistant combines duties of Certified Surgical Technologist and First Assistant in major surgeries. This person is crucial to surgical teams ...

Surgical Technician First Assist

Selma, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $53/hr

  • Retirement

Salary Ranges Surgical Tech I (0+ yrs) Surgical Tech II (2+ yrs) Surgical Tech III (3+ yrs) Surgical Tech First Assistant (CSA, CFSA, or SA-C is Required) $23.50 - $38.50 $25.50 - $41.50 $26.50 - $43 ...

Showing results 21-40

Surgical Tech First Assistant information

See Texas salary details

$12

$25

$58

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 Texas is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $27.98 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 Texas are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,218 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Baylor Scott & White Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 765 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Baylor University Medical Center- Dallas Shift: DaySchedule: Part TimeUnit: Urology OR About Us

Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.

Our Core Values are:

  • We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
  • We never settle by constantly striving for better.
  • We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
  • We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:

  • Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
  • 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

Job Summary

The Surgical Tech First Assistant works as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This position helps surgeons and surgical teams during major and complex procedures. It works under a Registered Nurse's direction as a CST. It works under a Surgeon's direction as a First Assistant.

Essential Functions of the Role
  • Ensures supplies, equipment, and instruments are available and working for each procedure. Updates surgeon preference cards for equipment, radiology, supplies, and notes. Pulls, opens, and sets up cases. Coordinates with surgeons on equipment and supply needs before procedures. Assists in building specialty instrument trays.
  • Prepares the operating room according to surgical procedure schedules. Arranges sterile setups of instrument table supplies and equipment for specific procedures. Wraps instruments for gas or steam sterilization. Performs quality control procedures on equipment and reports any issues. Ensures the OR is clean before and after surgery.
  • Scrubs for cases in major surgical services follow established procedures and standards. This requires advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgical instruments. Scrubs must also know surgeons' preferences and other technical knowledge.
  • Educates and prepares surgical teams according to procedure.
  • Assists with or performs the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.
  • Assists the surgeon during procedures by passing sterile supplies and equipment. Holds retractor devices and responds to the surgical team's needs. Ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions, and cuts and cauterizes tissues. Stabilizes drains and applies wound dressings as needed. Performs complex surgical techniques as directed by the physician and Texas scope of practice. Receives surgical specimens following protocol and notifies the circulating nurse. Delivers specimens to the appropriate location.
  • Contacts the pharmacy for RX with Registered Nurse or circulating nurse partnership.
  • Coordinates and works with system vetting vendors for the surgeon and department. Researches and gets quotes for capital purchases, new equipment, and supplies with specialty coordinators. Orders supplies.
  • Stays updated on surgical equipment, trends, and techniques by attending in-service or internal education programs. Serves as a resource and preceptor for those learning the scrub role. Helps the department through in-services, precepting, and mentoring staff.
Key Success Factors
  • Must have good communication skills.
  • Must have excellent knowledge of operating room protocol.
  • Must be able to work effectively with all hospital departments.
  • Must have excellent knowledge of patient protocols within a clinic setting.
  • Must be able to work well with all members of the office staff.
  • Must be able to assist the physician in all aspects of the practice including assisting in surgery.
Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
  • EXPERIENCE - 2 Years of Experience
  • CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
    Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) required from NBSTA or NCCT.

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