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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 30, 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.

Who gets paid more, RN or surgical tech?

Registered Nurses (RNs) generally earn higher salaries than surgical technologists due to their advanced education, licensing, and broader responsibilities in patient care. Surgical techs typically require less formal education and assist in the operating room under supervision, with lower average wages. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and healthcare facility.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry-level operating room jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with highly specialized or senior medical professionals like surgeons or anesthesiologists. These roles require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and often work in high-stakes environments, with compensation often exceeding this amount for procedures or on a per-case basis.

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 is the easiest hospital job to get into?

Entry-level hospital jobs such as patient transport, medical assistant, or cleaning staff are generally easier to obtain due to lower certification requirements and high demand. These roles often require minimal experience and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced healthcare positions, especially in busy hospital environments.

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:
Registered Nurse (Operating Room Assignment)

Registered Nurse (Operating Room Assignment)

GovernmentJobs.com

Brentwood, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse Operating Room

Contra Costa County Health Services Department offers a variety of opportunities and has an ongoing need for Registered Nurses. Our facilities include the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in Martinez, a full service acute hospital which includes an acute psychiatric unit. We have nine (9) outpatient health centers throughout the County, detention facilities, and juvenile hall.

This recruitment is specifically for the following assignment: Operating Room.

The typical tasks described in class are representative samples of duties commonly performed in each specialty area. Some tasks performed require specialized training or certifications depending upon the area of assignment or position designation.

  • Follows MD orders to administer intravenous therapy and other prescribed medication and treatments
  • Prepares equipment and assists physician during procedures, treatment and, examination of patients
  • Assesses patient needs, identifies problems, plans and implements appropriate nursing interventions, evaluates patient care outcomes and documents all of the above, reporting significant deviation from abnormal to normal to the physicians
  • Assigns ancillary personnel
  • Orients, precepts and mentors new and entry level nurses for problem solving and decision making
  • Identifies urgent needs of the patient and/or significant others and initiates measures to meet these needs
  • Provides directions to other members of the nursing team to ensure patient care is administered in a thorough, safe, and evidence based manner
  • Provides and promotes excellent customer service for all internal and external customers
  • Performs physical assessments, plans, implement, and evaluates care
  • Performs case management
  • Monitors laboratory tests
  • Documents all care provided
  • Identifies actual and potential problems; intervenes and reports all related problems to the appropriate disciplines.
  • Coordinates the care of the patient; initiates and participates in patient/family teaching and discharge planning
  • Address the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs of all patients
  • Performs medication management
  • Performs on-going patient education
  • Participates in Quality improvement projects
  • Participates in continuous learning and evidence based research
  • May act as a Relief Charge Nurse

License Required (All Assignments): Candidates must possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment: a current, valid and unrestricted Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Special Requirements (All Assignments): As a condition of employment all applicants: 1) When assigned to Detention Health Services must possess and maintain a security clearance approved and issued by the Sheriff's Department; 2) When assigned to the Perioperative unit must be available to provide off shift coverage.

Operating Room Assignment: Experience: Two (2) years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience performing duties as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting, one (1) year of which must have been in Operating Room nursing. Substitution for Experience: Completion of the didactic portion of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, and completion of an approved preceptorship or training program issued by CCRMC may be substituted for the one (1) year Operating Room nursing experience. Acute Care (All Acute Care Assignments): Experience: One (1) year of full time experience, or its equivalent, performing duties of a registered nurse in an acute care setting obtained in the United States within the last five (5) years. Certification: Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or CPR certification issued by the American Red Cross (Healthcare Provider). Substitution for experience: Possession of a BSN and six (6) months of experience as a Beginning Level Registered Nurse working in an acute care hospital may be substituted for the 1 (one) year of required experience. Other requirements: A background investigation/fingerprint, and/or physical exam may be required prior to the start of employment.

A completed supplemental questionnaire is required and you must attach copies of license & certifications to your application.

Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.

Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.

Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices. Conviction history: After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

Disaster Service Worker: All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.