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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See California salary details

$608

$1.8K

$2.6K

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in California is $1,752.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,386.54 and $2,134.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 California? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in California are:
Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,107 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Operating Room

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$116K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Registered Nurse (RN) to join our fast-paced Operating Room (OR) within the Perioperative Nursing Department. RNs are responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates age-specific care while influencing outcomes through leadership and collaboration.
Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
  • Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
  • Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12975134.Grade/LevelScopeEducationNurse I, Level IDelivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required.Nurse I, Level IIDemonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required.Nurse I, Level IIIDemonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.Nurse IIDemonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.Nurse IIIExecutes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III.*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.
Preferred Experience:
  • Certifications:
    • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
    • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ALCS) certification.
    • Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential is preferred.
  • Technical Skills:
    • 3-5 years operating room RN experience.
    • Proficient in maintaining and ensuring a sterile field throughout surgical procedures. Understanding of aseptic practices to prevent infection.
    • Skilled in handling and passing surgical instruments efficiently and correctly during operations, recognizing various instruments and their uses.
    • Adept at documenting intraoperative patient data and surgical details accurately in the electronic health records (EHR) system, ensuring all records are complete and compliant with regulations.
    • Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
    • Problem solving abilities and critical thinking
    • High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
    • Knowledge or preoperative preparations, including patient positioning, site marking, and draping. Understanding of postoperative care routines and assisting with patient transfer to recovery.
    • Compassion and empathy towards patients.
    • Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
    • Expertise in the cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of surgical instruments to ensure they are safe for use in procedures.
    • Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities.
    • Competent in setting up and maintaining surgical equipment, including operating tables, lights, and suction machines. Ability to troubleshoot and rectify equipment issues during procedures.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing aid permitted.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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