First assistant vs surgical first assistant

The differences between first assistants and surgical first assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a surgical first assistant has an average salary of $61,480, which is higher than the $52,444 average annual salary of a first assistant.

The top three skills for a first assistant include patients, patient care and surgical procedures. The most important skills for a surgical first assistant are patients, visualization, and patient care.

First assistant vs surgical first assistant overview

	First Assistant	Surgical First Assistant
Yearly salary	$52,444	$61,480
Hourly rate	$25.21	$29.56
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	3,202	28,503
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

What does a first assistant do?

First assistants to surgeons are in charge of assisting surgeons in the smooth execution of the operation's procedure and completion. They are the ones who will prepare the patient for surgeries, hand surgeons the needed tools, hold incisions open so that surgeons can easily perform the operation, transport patients to their rooms, and maintain the cleanliness of the operating room. They must also be able to withstand long hours of standing to complete surgical operations and agility to rush in case of emergencies.

What does a surgical first assistant do?

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds. They also perform tasks such as helping patients prepare for surgeries, transporting patients to different rooms, monitoring the inventory of supplies, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. Furthermore, it is essential to implement the safety protocols and measures before, during, and after surgeries for a safe and successful outcome.

First assistant vs surgical first assistant salary

First assistants and surgical first assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	First Assistant	Surgical First Assistant
Average salary	$52,444	$61,480
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $73,000	Between $41,000 And $92,000
Highest paying City	-	McAllen, TX
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between first assistant and surgical first assistant education

There are a few differences between a first assistant and a surgical first assistant in terms of educational background:

	First Assistant	Surgical First Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Nursing	Medical Technician
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Duke University

First assistant vs surgical first assistant demographics

Here are the differences between first assistants' and surgical first assistants' demographics:

	First Assistant	Surgical First Assistant
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 44.5% Female, 55.5%	Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 9.4% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 9.0% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between first assistant and surgical first assistant duties and responsibilities

First assistant example responsibilities.

Teach patients and family members how to manage their post operative home care needs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation
Execute and monitor strategic merchandising plans to achieve revenue objectives and reduce expenditures while ensuring payroll remains within budget.
Obtain health history via phone prior to surgery and triage patients upon arrival to the ASC.
Insert Foley catheters and intravenous catheter, if need.
Assist in orthopedics, plastics, ENT, urology, gynecology and ortho-neuro cases.
Provide preventative maintenance ensuring vessel's compliance with USCG regulations, inspections, and certificates.

Surgical first assistant example responsibilities.

Manage floor, ICU and rehab in-patients as well as respond to ER and hospital consultation.
Appropriate placement and securing of retractors.
Insert and remove Foley urinary bladder catheter.
Comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations.
Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
Assist on total knee and hip replacements as well as fracture care.

First assistant vs surgical first assistant skills

Common first assistant skills

Patients, 24%
Patient Care, 16%
Surgical Procedures, 11%
Visualization, 6%
Suturing, 4%
CPR, 4%

Common surgical first assistant skills

Patients, 14%
Visualization, 9%
Patient Care, 7%
Surgical Procedures, 7%
Surgical Technologist, 6%
Optimal Results, 4%

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First Assistant
First Assistant vs Surgical First Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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