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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hendrickson USA, LLC

Tooling Technician

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

... Room. The position may be filled at an entry-level or more experienced level depending on the ... Use safe work practices and follow proper procedures when operating tools and equipment. Die Tryout ...

JL Clark

Operator Mechanic - 1st Shift

Rockford, IL · On-site

$27.55 - $28.97/hr

Inspection, Machine Shop, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Fabrication personnel. Supervisory ... for operating the line to which they are assigned. Including all quality checks, hourly counts ...

University of Utah

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL

$19/hr

May supervise the care of research animals; perform minor animal surgery or collect animal tissues ... This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer ...

University of Utah

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL

$19/hr

May supervise the care of research animals; perform minor animal surgery or collect animal tissues ... This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer ...

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All JobsOperating Room JobsEntry Level Operating Room JobsEntry Level Operating Room Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Operating Room information

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 Illinois? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Illinois are:
Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Operator Mechanic - 3rd Shift - 15% Shift Premium

J L CLARK INC

Rockford, IL

$27.55 - $28.97/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

At J.L. Clark, we don’t just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver packaging solutions that stand out on shelves and stand the test of time. With more than 120 years of experience behind us, our passion for quality, service, and innovation is stronger than ever.

As we grow, so does our investment in the future. From our new 6-color printing press and injection molding presses to advanced rapid prototyping and high-speed fabrication systems, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of packaging technology.

Sustainability is more than a goal, it’s part of who we are. As the first North American metal lithographer to earn SGP Certification, and a multiple-time recipient of the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award, we take pride in building a better tomorrow.

Come be part of a company where tradition meets transformation, and where your work truly makes an impact.

Position summary

Is capable of performing all duties and responsibilities required for Die Setting and Machine Operating. Without supervision is capable of installing, adjusting and maintaining all fabrication equipment including the most complex equipment within assigned department or area.  Offers recommendations and is consulted on improved methods or alternatives to tools and production lines.

Education, Training & Experience:

  • Education equivalent to vocational or high school which could include short specialty courses. 

qualifications

**Required**
• Prior manufacturing experience, including machine operation and entry level maintenance work.

**Preferred**
• Prior experience with blank and draw/body making machines, computer driven logic programs, and use of technical measurement tools and gauges within tight tolerances. Experience in reading engineering prints.
 

Relationships: Inspection, Machine Shop, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Fabrication personnel.

Supervisory RESPONSIBILITIES: None

Supervised By:  Lead die setter/fabrication manager

Duties and Responsibilities:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Duties normal to the job:   (listed by importance)

DUTY

DESCRIPTION OF DUTY

Die Setter

Capable of installing, adjusting and maintaining all fabrication equipment.  Responsible for setting up and maintaining efficient production of assigned equipment.  Recommends to supervisor and is consulted on improved methods or alterations to tools and production lines.

Is able to read and interpret product and tool engineering drawings so proper installation of new and/or existing tools and production lines is accomplished.

Machine Operator

Must be capable of and is responsible for operating the line to which they are assigned. Including all quality checks, hourly counts, pulling jam, daily service to the production line, and diagnose/resolve minor tooling issues related to the integrity of the product.

Maintenance of Equipment

Is responsible for the condition and maintenance of tools and equipment should be clean and in proper operating condition prior to storage.  Supervisor and lead die setter should be apprised of conditions requiring tool room, machine shop, or maintenance service. Is able to perform appropriate level Professional Maintenance (PM) tasks and record findings and track scheduling in EMaintenance.

Troubleshooting

It is required to perform troubleshooting to resolve issues related to both quality and performance. Die setter/machine operators a required to be reactive to quality checks and performance counts which deviate from the standards for the line they are operating in order to make necessary adjustments and resolve deviations from standard.

House keeping

Keeps departmental work areas, aisles, and storage areas safe, orderly and free of obstructions.  Must properly store items so maximum use of area is accomplished.  Also responsible for general housekeeping, inventories and re-warehousing. This includes sweeping on a regular basis when needed/instructed.

Safety

Responsible for observing safety rules at all times.  Reports unsafe conditions immediately to their supervisor.  Reports any and all dropped/spilled loads.

Duties as Assigned

Duties assigned by their supervisor/leads

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