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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Room Assistant information

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$11

$18

$40

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in California is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOperating Room AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job RoleAssist surgical team with supplies, prep rooms, and patient carePrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries

While both roles support surgical teams, Operating Room Assistants typically focus on patient support and logistical tasks, whereas Surgical Technologists have specialized training to prepare surgical instruments and assist directly during procedures. Both roles are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists usually require formal certification and have more technical responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Operating Room Assistants face during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to changing surgical needs, and efficiently coordinating with the surgical team under pressure. They must be vigilant to prevent contamination, manage surgical instruments, and anticipate the needs of surgeons and nurses. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, you need a basic understanding of surgical procedures, infection control, and patient care, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital inventory systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth operations and patient safety in high-pressure environments. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.

What are Operating Room Assistants?

Operating Room Assistants, also known as OR Assistants or surgical support staff, are healthcare workers who play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of the operating room. They transport patients, prepare and clean surgical areas, manage surgical instruments, and assist nurses and surgical teams with non-sterile tasks before, during, and after procedures. Their support ensures a sterile and organized environment, helping surgeries run smoothly and safely.
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 Assistant jobs in California? For Operating Room Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:
Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,997 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$21.44 - $33.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 1,051 rated hospitals

Job description


Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Primary functions include patient transport, general cleaning, equipment cleaning, gathering equipment, proper preparation and assembly of highly specialized equipment, specimen transport, room turnover, performing shave preps.
  • Will also assist the team with patient-care (positioning and prepping) under direction of RN/ MD/ Tech.
  • Will also prepare for the next procedure (set up trays, supplies, etc.) and maintain supplies for the modalities.
  • This role facilitates patient flow, serves as a central point of communication, assists with patient transfers and remains with patients while awaiting their procedures as needed.

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
  • Assisting with prioritizing daily patient schedules
  • Coordinating throughout in procedure room as directed
  • Retrieving lab results
  • Provides assistance to all hospital-based Imaging departments and campus adjacent imaging centers as needed to support patient care.

Cath Lab Only
  • Transporting non-controlled pharmaceuticals to lab when ordered
  • Responsible for educating lab staff regarding proper sanitizing practices and signs off competencies
  • Responsible for orienting and sign-off of employees to supply distribution centers
  • Collaborates with technologists to manage availability of sterile instruments available for use
  • Responsible for receipt, distribution, and storage of supplies while utilizing technology-based LEAN par management system
  • Serves as a department resource and product liaison

Qualifications
Education and Experience
Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Skills and knowledge of equipment related to the surgical/ procedural environment
  • 1 year of patient care experience in hospital setting or 6-month experience as Operating Room/Imaging/CathLab Assistant preferred

Certifications Required
  • BLS Certification

What Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, located in Newport Beach, CA, US, is a leading health care provider within the healthcare industry. Their official website is hoag.org. Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery network in Orange County, California, that treats over 30,000 inpatients and 450,000 outpatients annually. Founded in 1952, the hospital has stood as a pillar of health in the community for over six decades. Committed to providing the highest quality care to patients, Hoag offers a range of comprehensive services including cancer care, women's health services, heart and vascular service, orthopedics, neurosciences and spine care.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newport Beach, CA, US

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