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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:

LVN III - Surgery Clinic - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Non-Union)

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$29.75 - $39.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Licensed Vocational Nurse III (LVN III) is an individual with specific knowledge and technical skills to assist the Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Provider. The LVN III utilizes the Nursing Process to provide therapeutic care to a specific population of patients, under the direction of the RN or Provider. LVN III will provide excellent and advanced quality care including patient education, phlebotomy and may participate in coordinating specific services as directed.

Essential Duties:

  • Uses and practices basic assessment, participates in planning, executes interventions in accordance with the plan of care or treatment plan, and contributes to evaluation of individualized interventions related to the care plan or treatment plan
  • Escorts patients to exam rooms, obtains and appropriately records patient vital signs/medication list, monitors patient flow, assists physicians with minor clinical procedures, performs EKGs, prepares patient chart with pertinent medical information, administers medication as directed by physician.
  • Provides direct patient care.
  • Administers medications.
  • Assess and monitor patients condition and notify physician/health care professional.
  • Demonstrates professional communication skills for the purpose of patient care, education and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
  • Schedules diagnostic tests ordered by the physician as needed.
  • Schedules and receives patients.
  • Prepares and maintains medical records.
  • Performs various administrative duties, including answering phone patient calls, returning phone calls, receiving and sorting in-coming faxes, obtaining prior authorizations.
  • Enters charges into the system in an accurate and timely fashion.
  • Handles telephone calls and writes correspondences.
  • Serves as a liaison between physicians and other individuals.
  • Takes patient histories and vital signs.
  • Implements an effective and efficient patient flow.
  • Performs first aid and CPR if needed.
  • Assists physicians with exams and treatments as permitted by license. Assist medical personnel with special procedures, minor surgical procedures and/or diagnostic exams
  • Organizes pharmacy refill requests for physician approval.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting to accomplish duties in a timely manner.
  • Provide medical information and education to patients, following established protocols and guidelines.
  • Triages patients in person and over the telephone.
  • Maintain equipment and supplies and identify and arrange for equipment needing repair.
  • Ensures patient's right to privacy, safety, and confidentiality is maintained. Maintains a safe environment in accordance with standards, policies, and safety regulations. Ensures compliance with infection control policies.
  • May act as a lead and train entry level staff
  • Assess and monitor patients condition and notify physician/health care professional.
  • Assist medical personnel with special procedures, minor surgical procedures and/or diagnostic exams.
  • Provide medical information and education to patients, following established protocols and guidelines.
  • Administers a broader range of medications, including injections and IV medications.
  • Maintain equipment and supplies and identify and arrange for equipment needing repair.
  • Act as the subject matter expert to ensure team members are familiar with procedures related to specialty and provide in-service to team members as needed.
  • May be designated as the Competency Validator and may act as a lead and train entry level staff/new team members.
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and support protocol development.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Req High School or equivalent
  • Req Specialized/technical training Graduate of an accredited Vocational Nursing Program
  • Req 5 years Experience in a surgical care, acute care or ambulatory care setting
  • Req Experience in a specialty area
  • Req Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.
  • Req Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word as well as Internet access and utilization.
  • Req Demonstrate excellent customer service behavior.
  • Req Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive situations and confidential information
  • Req Able to make decisions effectively and with appropriate stakeholder input

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pref Experience mentoring and training LVNs and other staff

Required Licenses/Certifications:

  • Req Licensed Vocational Nurse - LVN (CA DCA) Valid California Vocational Nursing license
  • Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
  • Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
  • Req LVN - Intravenous Therapy Certification (CA DCA) IV certification
  • Req Specialty Certification Must have one (1) Certification in specific specialty below: Pharmacology from National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service Long Term Care from National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service Certified Dialysis (CD-LVN) from Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission Certified Urology Associate from Certification Board for Urologic Nurses Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association Wound Care from National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy Clinical Research Associate from Association of Clinical Research Professionals Clinical Research Coordinator from Association of Clinical Research Professionals Hospice and Palliative Care from Hospice and Palliative Care Credentialing Center Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist from Cardiovascular Credentialing International Infection Control form Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology
  • Req Keck Program Preceptor Certification *If new hire, must obtain certification within 90 days/next class
The hourly rate range for this position is $29.00 - $45.20. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

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