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Instrument Assistant Jobs in Aloha, OR (NOW HIRING)

Dental assistant

West Linn, OR ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Join Us as Our Next Dental Assistant! We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Registered ... Instrument Sterilization: Clean, sterilize, and organize dental instruments and equipment. X-ray ...

Dental Assistant

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are open Monday through Thursday and two fridays a month JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist dentist ... Prepares patient, sterilizes or disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares ...

Dental Assistant

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are open Monday through Thursday and two fridays a month JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist dentist ... Prepares patient, sterilizes or disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares ...

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Instrument Assistant information

See Aloha, OR salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do instrument assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument assistant in Aloha, OR is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instrument Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectInstrument AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics
Job RoleAssists with instrument setup, sterilization, and passing instruments during surgeryPrepares operating rooms, sterilizes equipment, hands instruments to surgeons

While both roles support surgical teams, Instrument Assistants primarily focus on instrument handling and sterilization, often with less formal education. Surgical Technologists have more comprehensive training and certification, performing broader perioperative tasks. Both are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists typically have more responsibilities and formal credentials.

What does an instrument assistant do?

Instrument Assistants are responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing surgical instruments before procedures. On a daily basis, they ensure all tools are accounted for and in proper working order, assist with instrument setup in operating rooms, and work closely with surgical teams to anticipate needs during procedures. They also help with inventory management, restocking supplies, and maintaining documentation for quality assurance. Teamwork and attention to detail are crucial, as their role directly supports patient safety and surgical efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument assistant?

To thrive as an Instrument Assistant, you need a solid understanding of instrument sterilization, maintenance, and handling procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with autoclaves, instrument tracking systems, and infection control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong organizational skills are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly prepared, reducing infection risks and supporting efficient healthcare operations.

What is an instrument assistant?

Instrument Assistants are professionals who support the setup, maintenance, and operation of scientific or technical instruments, often in laboratories, medical facilities, or industrial environments. Their responsibilities may include calibrating equipment, preparing instruments for procedures, assisting senior technicians or scientists, and ensuring that all tools are functioning properly. They play a key role in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of operations by troubleshooting minor issues and adhering to safety protocols. Instrument Assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced staff and may also be involved in record-keeping and inventory management.

Instrument Veterinary Assistant Level 1

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is hiring a full-time Instrument Veterinary Assistant Level 1to join our team.
The Instrument Veterinary Assistant Level 1 is responsible for the cleaning and sterilizing of general hospital instruments.
A genuine love of and respect for all animals is required, as is an appreciation of the human-animal bond.
Wage Range: Overnight and weekend differential pay is available for applicable shifts.
$19.95-$22 hourly for Veterinary Assistant Level 1
DoveLewis is a 24/7/365 emergency hospital with day, swing, and overnight shifts and requires the ability to work at least some of every weekend and holidays.
What you will do:
  • Maintain clean and sterile work environment in the hospital including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and disinfecting.
  • Cleaning, sterilizing, and stocking of general hospital instruments for all hospital departments.
  • Closely following protocol for instrument and equipment care.
  • Minor troubleshooting of sterilization equipment.
  • Regular communication with all members of the surgical team, Facilities and Inventory departments to maintain appropriate stock of supplies and instruments.
  • Gathering dirty and expired instruments from throughout the hospital for maintenance, turnover, and sterilization.
  • Stocking, organizing, and inventory checks for Lac station, crash carts, and various other areas where instruments and packs are continuously stocked.
  • Prep, surgical suite, and Tx area turn over, stocking and set up.
  • Perform other miscellaneous tasks or assigned projects during slow times.

What are we looking for in a candidate?
  • A genuine love of and respect for all animals is required, as is an appreciation of the human-animal bond.
  • A strong desire to problem solve and help others.
  • Excellent client service and teamwork skills.
  • Experience or education equivalent to a High School Diploma is required.
  • Valid Oregon or Washington driver's license for driving the DoveLewis transport van.
  • Understanding of animal behavior and knowledge of safe animal handling and transport practices.
  • 1+ year experience working in a professional veterinary setting. Experience with specialty medicine preferred.
  • Any suitable combination of experience or education may substitute for the above.

What you can look forward to at DoveLewis:
  • Advancing your emergency and critical care skillset at a teaching hospital dedicated to the growth of our employees.
  • Equitable Health Benefits including
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • $0 mental health copays
    • preventative care
    • LGBTQIA-friendly providers
    • options for families
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (medical and dependent care)
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Holiday pay
  • Bereavement leave, including time off when a pet family member passes away
  • 403(b) retirement account with free financial advising available
  • Student debt repayment assistance for all employees
  • As part of a nonprofit with community-focused services your work makes a difference to the animal-loving community and to individual pet owners on a daily basis.

How to apply:
To be considered, you must complete the online application and upload a resume. Resumes received without a completed online application will not be considered.
DoveLewis is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug and background screening required.