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Operating Room Aide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Are you a dedicated and detail-oriented Operating Room Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced surgical environment? We're seeking top talent to join our world-class healthcare ...

Posted today

Operating Room Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

$21.44 - $33.16/hr

Operating Room Only Room turnover goal is accomplished in 25 minutes or less and maximizing efficiency is expected. Imaging Services Only * Ongoing telephone communications between departments

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical Aide, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients. Every ...

Surgical Aide

Merced, CA · On-site

$25 - $28.96/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical Aide, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for ...

One California As our Surgical Aide, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients. Every day you will set ...

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical Aide, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients. Every ...

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Operating Room Aide information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do operating room aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room aide in California is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room aide?

Operating Room Aides, also known as surgical support assistants or OR attendants, are healthcare professionals who assist in preparing and maintaining the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their duties include transporting patients, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, restocking supplies, and ensuring that the surgical environment is safe and organized. They work closely with nurses, surgeons, and other medical staff to ensure that surgeries run smoothly and efficiently. Operating Room Aides play a vital role in maintaining infection control standards and supporting the surgical team.

What do you need to be an operating room aide?

To become an operating room aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of medical terminology, and the ability to follow instructions. Prior experience in healthcare or patient care is beneficial, and some positions may require certification in CPR or first aid. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room aide?

To thrive as an Operating Room Aide, you need a solid understanding of sterile techniques, basic patient care, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, though formal training or certification in healthcare support is often preferred. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital inventory systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring smooth operations and patient safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining a sterile environment, supporting surgical teams, and minimizing the risk of infection or procedural errors.

What is the difference between Operating Room Aide vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room AideSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary diploma or certificate; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, assisting surgical teamsOperating rooms, surgical centers, assisting during surgeries
Job DutiesPrepare operating rooms, assist with patient positioning, sterilize equipmentSet up surgical instruments, assist during procedures, ensure sterile environment

While both roles support surgical teams, Operating Room Aides focus on logistical and patient support tasks, whereas Surgical Technologists are more involved in preparing and handling surgical instruments. Both roles are essential in the operating room environment, but Surgical Technologists typically require specialized training and certification.

What are the most common challenges operating room aides face during a typical shift?

Operating Room Aides often encounter fast-paced and physically demanding environments, where quick turnover between surgeries is essential. They must efficiently clean and prepare operating rooms, transport patients, and manage supplies, all while adhering to strict infection control protocols. Time management and adaptability are crucial, as priorities can shift rapidly based on surgical schedules and emergency cases. Effective communication with surgical teams is also important to ensure patient safety and smooth workflow.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in California? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Aide jobs in California? For Operating Room Aide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operating Room Aide jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating Room Aide job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Room Aide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,345 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Operating Room Aide (ORA)

Power Personnel

Palo Alto, CA

$42.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 7 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Are you a dedicated and detail-oriented Operating Room Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced surgical environment? We're seeking top talent to join our world-class healthcare team. Apply now and become an essential part of providing safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care.Job Details:
  • Pay: $42.25 per hour (Blended)
  • Schedule: Rotating 3×12-hour shifts (6:30 AM–7:00 PM or 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; days, evenings, or nights)
  • Shifts: (6:30 AM–7:00 PM or 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; days, evenings, or nights)
  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Duration: 13 Weeks initially
Benefits:
  • Competitive pay
  • Great working location
  • Health/vision/dental/life insurance
  • Refer-a-friend bonus*
  • Weekly payroll
  • 24-hour accessibility
  • Personalized service
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
  • Current CPR certification accepted as applicable
Preferred:
  • Pediatric (PEDS) experience preferred, but not required
  • Experience with surgical services equipment and operating room procedures is a plus
Experience:
  • Minimum 1 Year of recent Hospital experience (EVS/ Janitorial SPT. etc.),
  • Relevant healthcare, patient care, or surgical environment experience preferred
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment and adapt to changing assignments
Responsibilities:
  • Assist nursing staff with receiving, caring for, and transporting patients to and from the perioperative area
  • Transport patients, equipment, supplies, blood products, and specimens throughout the hospital according to established policies and procedures
  • Support various surgical procedures by ensuring necessary supplies, equipment, and resources are available
  • Maintain and prepare operating rooms, including cleaning, stocking, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained
  • Practice aseptic techniques and follow infection prevention and safety protocols
  • Assist with patient care activities as permitted by hospital policies, including repositioning, ambulation, specimen collection, and non-invasive monitoring
  • Monitor and maintain surgical equipment and supplies, reporting issues as needed
  • Support quality assurance, safety, and process improvement initiatives
  • Maintain accurate documentation and communicate effectively with nurses, physicians, staff, patients, and families
  • Provide excellent customer service while working with patients, families, and healthcare teams
  • Utilize EPIC and other hospital systems as required
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information and follow all hospital policies and procedures
Who we are:
Power Personnel has been working with healthcare professionals like you since 1994. We are the experts in healthcare staffing in Northern California. That’s why so many hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities rely on us to fill critical positions. If you want competitive pay, excellent working conditions and a team that supports you, Power Personnel is the place to be!
Refer a friend at referrals@powerpersonnel.com and get $250 bonus for every referral! *
*In order to get the bonus, the person referred must work at least 20 shifts.

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About Power Personnel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Power Personnel has been working with healthcare professionals like you since 1994. We are the experts in healthcare staffing in Northern California. That's why so many hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities rely on us for filling critical positions.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1994

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