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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Vacuum Truck Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Our entry-level field techs gain on-the-job training in utility locating and utility designating ... T2ue provides outstanding benefits and an opportunity for a great career with room for advancement.

... an entry level position where you can learn and grow your skillset. This is a fully in-office ... Configure and troubleshoot printers, conference room technology, network equipment, and other ...

Pool Tech

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$19.50/hr

This is an entry-level position on our team with room for advancement. About ASP At ASP, we create ... Identify when pool equipment is not operating properly and report repair needs to the office

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See Arizona salary details

$563

$1.6K

$2.4K

How much do entry level operating room jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Arizona is $1,623.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,284.62 and $1,978.85 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level operating room jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized training or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurial work, but most healthcare positions require relevant education or experience. For high earnings, consider roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades that emphasize experience and performance over formal degrees.

Do you need experience to be an operating room assistant?

Entry level operating room assistants typically do not need prior experience, as training is often provided on the job. However, having a background in healthcare, such as a certification in medical assisting or phlebotomy, can be beneficial. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow strict protocols are important in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level staff in the operating room, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level operating room staff often face challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment, learning complex surgical protocols, and managing stress during high-stakes procedures. It’s important to ask questions, seek guidance from experienced team members, and participate in ongoing training to build confidence and proficiency. Developing strong communication skills and staying organized can also help new team members effectively support surgeons and nurses, ensuring patient safety and smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operating Room Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an entry level operating room technician, you need a solid understanding of sterile technique, basic surgical procedures, and a certificate or diploma in surgical technology. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic documentation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and maintaining efficient operating room workflows.

Is surgical tech harder than RN?

Surgical technologists and registered nurses (RNs) in the operating room have different responsibilities; RNs typically have more advanced training and broader patient care duties, making their role generally more complex. Surgical techs focus on preparing the operating room and assisting during surgeries, requiring technical skills and knowledge of surgical instruments. Both roles require certification and specialized training, but RNs usually undergo longer education and have a wider scope of practice.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operating Room vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Operating RoomSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), possibly Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job RoleAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, pass instrumentsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in hospital or surgical settings. An Entry Level Operating Room often refers to a beginner position assisting in surgeries, while a Surgical Technologist is a certified professional with specific credentials. The roles overlap in duties and environment, making them closely related entry-level positions in surgical support.

What is the easiest hospital job to get into?

Entry-level hospital jobs such as patient transport, medical receptionist, or cleaning staff are generally easier to obtain due to lower certification requirements and high turnover. These roles often require minimal prior experience and provide opportunities to gain healthcare exposure before advancing to more specialized positions like an entry-level operating room technician.

What are entry level operating room jobs?

Entry level operating room jobs typically refer to positions such as surgical technologists, operating room assistants, or scrub techs who support surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. These roles often involve preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery. Entry-level roles usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may need a specialized certification or on-the-job training. These positions provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing within surgical or healthcare careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,444 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

$63K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is seeking a skilled and dependable Lead Medical Supply Technician to guide our Sterile Processing team, oversee daily workflow, and ensure surgical instruments, scopes, and reusable medical equipment are expertly decontaminated, assembled, and delivered for patient care. This role is essential to maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical services across the medical center.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.
Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience and/or Education.
    1. Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
    2. Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or
    3. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None.
  • Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    1. Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
    2. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    3. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
GS-07 Lead Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Grade Determination:
  1. Experience. One year of Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06).
    • Examples of experience include but are not limited to
      • Receives contaminated critical and semi-critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in the decontamination area.
      • Inspects, assembles and determines the correct method and packaging for sterilization.
      • Disassembles the RME and determines the correct cleaning method.
  2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols for completing assignments.
    • Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.
    • Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
    • Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
    • Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.

Preferred Experience:
  • More than 3 years of Sterile Processing experience.
  • CRCST( HSPA) or CBSPD certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe per facility policy)
  • Experience with complex surgical instrumentation, Including orthopedic, laparoscopic, and specialty trays and flexible scope knowledge.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER