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Traveling Surgical Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

Details Client Name Mayo Clinic Job Type Travel Offering Allied Profession Allied / Tech Specialty ... We are seeking a skilled IR Tech to assist in interventional procedures, including vascular access ...

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Traveling Surgical Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$13

$27

$63

How much do traveling surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for traveling surgical assistant in Rochester, MN is $27.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traveling surgical assistant?

A Traveling Surgical Assistant is a healthcare professional who supports surgeons and surgical teams in operating rooms at various medical facilities, often on a temporary or contract basis. They assist with preparing the operating room, passing instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and sometimes help with wound closure. Traveling Surgical Assistants work in different hospitals or clinics, which allows them to gain diverse experience and often receive higher pay and benefits compared to permanent staff. This role requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong clinical skills to quickly integrate with new teams and environments.

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

To thrive as a Traveling Surgical Assistant, you need a strong background in surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by certification such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is crucial. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork are vital soft skills for adjusting to new environments and collaborating with diverse surgical teams. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical support, and seamless integration into various healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges faced by traveling surgical assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Traveling Surgical Assistants often face challenges such as adapting quickly to new hospital protocols, surgical teams, and unfamiliar equipment. Working in different locations requires strong communication skills and flexibility to integrate smoothly into diverse operating room environments. To address these challenges, it’s important to maintain open communication with new team members, review hospital policies before each assignment, and stay organized with travel and credentialing requirements. Building a strong professional network and keeping up with continuing education also help in staying prepared for various clinical settings.

How to become a traveling surgical assistant?

To become a traveling surgical assistant, you typically need to complete a surgical technology or related healthcare program and obtain certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Gaining experience in surgical procedures and maintaining current certifications are essential, along with having flexibility for travel and good communication skills. Employers often seek candidates who are adaptable and able to work in various healthcare settings across different locations.

Where do traveling surgical assistants make the most money?

Traveling surgical assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban centers and areas with a shortage of specialized medical staff. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of procedures they assist with, but overall, locations with more advanced healthcare facilities typically offer higher pay rates.

What are popular job titles related to Traveling Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN?

For Traveling Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traveling Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Traveling Surgical Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Traveling Surgical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Traveling Surgical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Traveling Surgical Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,064 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Travel RN - Pediatric ICU

American Traveler

Rochester, MN • On-site

$198K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Travel RN - Operating Room - First Assist

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN First Assist for a 13-week Operating Room assignment requiring CA RN licensure, CNOR and CRNFA certification, and prior travel experience.

Shift: Days, 4x10 hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Hours: 40 hrs/wk

Start Date: Sep 8, 2026

Length: 13 weeks

Openings: 1

Actual start date is typically 3-4 weeks from time the offer is received. Start dates are determined based on facility needs and credentialing requirements.

Details
  • Acute hospital Operating Room setting
  • RNFA unit supporting general, gynecologic, orthopedic, and podiatric surgical cases
  • Day shift schedule, 4x10 hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Required to work 2 weekends per month
  • Call responsibilities shared with another RNFA
  • Handles cases including laparoscopic procedures, total joint replacements, hernia repairs, and gynecologic surgeries
Requirements
  • Active CA RN license required
  • Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required
  • CNOR and CRNFA certifications required
  • Minimum 2 years of RNFA experience required
  • Previous travel nursing experience required
  • Skilled in surgical first assist duties including tourniquet application, sponge/instrument counts, peripheral IV starts, and suctioning/irrigation
  • Proficient in aseptic technique and use of isolation precautions/PPE
  • Experience with case carts, crash carts, drills, electrosurgical units, and fiber optic light sources
Additional Information
  • Assist surgeons during general, gynecologic, orthopedic, and podiatric procedures
  • Perform first assist responsibilities such as securing drainage systems, tissue handling, and wound closure support
  • Work within a trauma-level surgical environment
  • Holiday coverage required for New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, with only one holiday request approved per contract
  • Maximum RTO of 7 days per contract
  • Must reside within a 50-mile radius to qualify for local rate
  • Local candidates accepted at local rate
  • Returning travelers must have a minimum 1-year separation before reapplying
  • Candidates must be credentialed through the health system, requiring an application process that takes several weeks after offer acceptance

These details are based on information provided by the facility and may include inaccuracies or be subject to updates. Please verify all details with your recruiter.

Pay Overview Weekly $3,809/wk Assignment Total (13 Weeks) $49,514 Annual Equivalent (52 Weeks) $198,058 Weekly Breakdown Weekly Wages $2,563/wk Regular Hours $55.00 x 32 hours/wk = $1,760 OT Hours $100.35 x 8 hours/wk = $803 Weekly Stipends $1,246/wk Lodging $110.00 x 7 days = $770 Meals & Incidentals $68.00 x 7 days = $476 Weekly $3,809/wk In compliance with state pay transparency laws, we disclose that the estimated weekly pay range for this role is $3,428 - $3,809. The $3,809 weekly pay listed in this posting, along with related figures, corresponds to the higher end of this range.

Job ID: P-727396


American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999