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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Perioperative Assistant MOI

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $23.64/hr

MOI Operating Room Facility : Missouri Orthopedic Institute - 1100 Virginia Ave, Columbia, MO Compensation : • Base Pay Range: $15.00 (entry level qualifications) - $23.64 (highly experienced) per ...

$30K - $39K/yr

The Work: * Providespatient care under the direction and supervision of an RN or LPN. * ... We are excited to offer opportunities for entry level and experienced CNAs, nursing assistants and ...

$30K - $39K/yr

The Work: * Providespatient care under the direction and supervision of an RN or LPN. * ... We are excited to offer opportunities for entry level and experienced CNAs, nursing assistants and ...

OR Equipment Support Tech

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... the operating room. Responds to equipment issues in real time, collaborates with nursing and ... Responsible for providing mentoring and training to entry-level Technicians. * Supports clinical ...

Medical Assistant PT (31821)

Columbia, MO · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

... room; assisting patients as needed with walking transfers, dressing, collecting specimens ... Requirements for Level I Status: * Entry level (1-4 years' experience) and/or meet the basic ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See Missouri salary details

$530

$1.5K

$2.3K

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Missouri is $1,527.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,209.62 and $1,861.54 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Missouri are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in Missouri are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,431 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
Perioperative Assistant MOI

Perioperative Assistant MOI

MU Health

Columbia, MO • On-site

$15 - $23.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


University Of Missouri Health Care rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Shift: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Department: MOI Operating Room
Facility: Missouri Orthopedic Institute - 1100 Virginia Ave, Columbia, MO
Compensation:
Base Pay Range: $15.00 (entry level qualifications) - $23.64 (highly experienced) per hour, based on experience.
Union Bid Period: July 17 to July 23, 2026
ABOUT THE JOB
MU Healthcare is looking for a dynamic and dedicated individual to join our team as a perioperative assistant. We seek candidates who are detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about delivering exceptional patient care. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy being a critical part of a surgical team, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Your ability to anticipate needs, manage inventory, and maintain a clean, organized workspace will make you an invaluable asset. Join us at MU Healthcare and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in surgical care.
ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE
MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes' Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that's largely a result of the incredible culture and team we've built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger - to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.
Our academic health system - the only in mid-Missouri - is home to seven hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions - with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.
Learn more about MU Health Care.
Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including ten holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more
• See a comprehensive list of benefits here.
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION
• All duties and standards within this document will be performed in compliance with regulatory guidelines and applicable federal/state laws according to University policies and procedures.
• Appropriately tag and remove faulty equipment and return repaired equipment. Assess daily supply inventory and order daily or as directed.
• Assist Anesthesia by running for supplies, cleaning mouth gags, re-supplying carts with supplies and positioning of patient.
• Assist the staff nurse in patient care.
• Initiates action in emergency situations (include CPR).
• Maintain daily sterilizer logs, cidex logs, run chemical and biological indicators. Maintenance, ordering and correct usage of housekeeping supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform pre/post-surgical needs for patient.
• Pre/Post procedure cleaning of operating rooms, including soiled linen, trash collection and disposal, including proper disposal of biohazard materials.
• Prepare equipment and supplies for use in Perioperative areas. Produce the annual inventory of O.R. equipment and supplies.
• Provide comfort measures for patients by providing them with blankets and raising bed side-rails.
• Pull add-on and next day cases as directed.
• Routine daily, weekly and monthly cleaning of floors, walls, room furniture and equipment.
• Stock rooms and warmers with supplies on a daily basis or as directed.
• Store equipment and supplies correctly.
• Transport surgical specimens, blood, blood products, cultures, non-narcotic medications, supplies and requisitions as needed.
• Transportation of patient and patient's belongs.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• One (1) year of experience working in a health care environment or patient care experience. Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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