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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in North Carolina

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Warehouse Production Machine Operator

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... for operating production equipment, maintaining quality standards, and helping keep production ... and room to grow with a great company. Entry-Level Friendly. Si hablamos Español! Summary: * 40 ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See North Carolina salary details

$491

$1.4K

$2.1K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in North Carolina is $1,414.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,119.23 and $1,723.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level operating room job?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level operating room technician?

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 are 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 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.

How to get entry level operating room experience?

Entry level operating room experience can be gained through completing relevant healthcare training programs such as surgical technician or nursing assistant certifications, volunteering or shadowing in medical settings, and applying for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training. Developing skills in sterile techniques, patient care, and teamwork is essential for advancing in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in North Carolina are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operating Room jobs in North Carolina?

For Entry Level Operating Room jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operating Room jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operating Room jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Entry Level Operating Room jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Entry Level Operating Room job openings:

Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,564 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Surgical Tech, Certified - Operating Room

UNC Health

Hendersonville, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Surgical Tech, Certified - Operating Room

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary: Under the direction of a physician and/or a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist, Certified handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure and uses understanding of the procedure being performed to anticipate and assist with the needs of the surgeon. This role requires the knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

The Surgical Technologist (ST) utilizes surgical knowledge to assist in the preparation and care of surgical patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The ST possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and stages surgical environment / operating room (OR) for the performance of surgical procedures.
  • Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
  • Stages sterile surgical field with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for surgical procedure.
  • Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field. Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
  • Performs manually dexterous tasks and assistance during surgical procedures under the direction of the attending surgeon.
  • Prepares, labels and hands off specimens as appropriate.
  • Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room. Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
  • Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
  • Precepts entry-level staff, students and orients new colleagues as assigned.

Qualifications: This position is open to entry-level candidates.

Required:

  • Graduate from a Surgical Technology program
  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting certification (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) certification
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Education:

Graduate of an Accredited Surgical Technician program

Experience:

6 months preferred

Certification:

Current Surgical Technician Certification with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) required. Individuals hired prior to August, 1, 2007 and who graduated from a program that was not recognized by the NBSTSA at the time of their graduation are exempt from the certification requirement.

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