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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Accede Solutions Inc.

RN - OR

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Registered Nurse - Operating Room: Duration:13 Weeks Start:06/09/2025 Registered Nurse in the ... They prepare the OR, assist the surgical team, monitor patient vitals, and ensure a sterile ...

Boone County Hospital

RN - OR

Boone, IA · On-site

$2.5K/wk

... Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2566.0 Shift Details Shift 8H Days Scheduled Hours 40 Job Order ... N to assist our traveler-friendly client. A minimum of 1-2 years of experience is required.

IU Health Methodist University

RN - OR

Mason City, IA · On-site

$2.2K/wk

... Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2206.0 Shift Details Shift 8H Days Scheduled Hours 40 Job Order ... N to assist our traveler-friendly client. A minimum of 1-2 years of experience is required.

UnityPoint Health

RN - Operating Room

Norwalk, IA · On-site

Responsibilities * Assist physicians during patient exams and procedures * Room patients, record ... Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- Active/Unencumbered RN or LPN license in ...

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All JobsOperating Room JobsOperating Room Assistant JobsOperating Room Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Operating Room Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$37

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room assistant?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room assistant?

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 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 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.

How do you become an operating room assistant?

To become an operating room assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Surgical Technologist. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important skills for the role.

How hard is it to become an operating room assistant?

Becoming an operating room assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or certification in healthcare support. Some positions may prefer or require knowledge of medical terminology, basic patient care skills, and familiarity with surgical environments, but the entry process is generally accessible with minimal formal education.

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

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,237 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room - $2,587 per week

Atlantic, IA • On-site

O.R. Staffing Solutions Inc
See more jobs at O.R. Staffing Solutions Incexternal

$2.5K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

OR Staffing Solutions is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Atlantic, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 10/05/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Looking for a great Travel OR - Operating Room Nursing Job in Atlantic, Iowa? OR Staffing Solutions posted this Travel Nursing Job that offers 40 hours a week for 13 weeks in Atlantic, Iowa.

Vivian Health provides transparent Travel OR - Operating Room Salary information and unbiased reviews from leading Travel Nurse Agencies across the United States, so you can compare travel opportunities matching your desired criteria.

With Vivian, you can chat directly with recruiters and apply to staffing agencies with a Single Reusable Profile to find your ideal job faster and easier than ever.

The details for this Travel OR - Operating Room Nursing Job are:

  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Job Location: Atlantic, Iowa
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2,587/week
  • Start Date: 10/05/2026
  • Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Total Hours Per Week: 40 weekly
  • Shift Breakdown: 5x8 hrs
  • Shift: 8 hours, days

OR Staffing Solutions Job ID #65003924. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: 36

About OR Staffing Solutions

Perioperative staffing and recruiting, by perioperative clinicians.

O.R. Staffing Solutions is a clinician-led perioperative staffing agency

headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois, in the greater Chicago area. Our

leadership and recruiting team come from the operating room, and that clinical

foundation informs how we evaluate assignments, match talent, and support

our clinicians throughout every placement.

We provide local, travel, and per diem assignments alongside contract and

permanent placements for hospitals, health systems, and ambulatory surgery

centers. Established in Chicagoland and expanding nationally, we continue to

add new opportunities across a growing footprint.

Our service lines include:

● Registered Nurses

○ O.R. RNs

○ CVOR RNs

○ GI RNs

○ PACU RNs

● Surgical Technologists

● Surgical Assistants

● GI Technologists

● Radiologic Technologists

● Sterile Processing Technologists

Whether you want a steady local schedule, a travel contract in a new city, or

per diem shifts that flex around family or school, we build assignments around

your skills, goals, and availability.

Every clinician with us is a W2 employee, fully covered by workers'

compensation and liability insurance. Benefits include:

● BCBS medical, dental, and vision plans

● Employer-paid Short Term Disability

● Long Term Disability

● 401(k) with company matching

Employer Profile Configuration V1.0 Page 4

● Life insurance

● Referral bonuses of $200 (Sterile Processing), $250 (Surgical and

Radiology Technologists), and $300 (Nurses), paid after 80 hours

Clinicians tell us we are flexible, responsive, and clear in our communication.

Our mobile app for iOS and Android makes viewing assignments, submitting

timecards, and reaching your recruiter simple.

Let's talk about what you are looking for.

1333 Burr Ridge Parkway, Suite 200, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

(630) 828-8003 | recruiting@orstaffingsolutions.com

Why Vivian Health?

Be sure to apply via Vivian Health to increase your chances of landing your perfect job. Just complete your Vivian Health profileonce, and get access to thousands of opportunities across the country. Then keep up to date with your job application process and conversations with our easy to use app.

Benefits
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Referral bonus

Apply