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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SFI Georgia

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Forklift Operator

Antioch, TN · On-site

$19/hr

We are specifically looking for entry-level candidates who are interested in a long-term career ... We offer great pay, benefits, and room to grow. Our mission is to have the strongest team. Our ...

Covenant Health

STERILE PROC TECH

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Store, process and issue supplies and instruments for use in the operating room and clinical ... entry-level employment in the position. SPD certification preferred. If hired into this position ...

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Entry Level Operating Room information

See Tennessee salary details

$537

$1.5K

$2.3K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in Tennessee is $1,546.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,225.00 and $1,884.62 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Operating Room jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,439 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
PERI-OP TECH I

PERI-OP TECH I

Covenant Health

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Peri-op Technician

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Parkwest Overview: 

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S.News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety. 

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities.  

Position Summary:

Provide supportive para-nursing & housekeeping functions in the Operating Room, PACU, & PHA.


  • Demonstrates knowledge of sterile field.
  • Illustrates proper technique for transporting and positioning patients safely.
  • Displays understanding of proper body mechanics.
  • Demonstrates special positions and/or bed positions such as Morgan Pelvic, Andrews Frame, etc.
  • Recognize the area of surgical prep (clean or sterile).
  • Responsible for maintaining environmental cleanliness standards of the operating rooms and ancillary areas.
  • Demonstrates ability to assist RN in the skin preparation of the patient by safely holding extremities and preventing contamination of the prepped site.
  • Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Education:          

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.  Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:         

Entry level.

Licensure Requirement:      

None

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