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Surgical Tech First Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Certified Surg Tech Specialty: First Assist Job Type: Permanent Minimum Guaranteed Hours: 36 JOB SUMMARY The Surgical Tech First Assistant works in a dual role as a Certified Surgical Technologist ...

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Surgical Tech First Assistant information

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$62

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 the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 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 are hiring for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical Tech First Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech First Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Surgical Tech First Assist

Vitruvian Health

Dalton, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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.