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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Vivian Health

Operating Room Nurse in Flint, MI

Flint, MI · On-site

$72K - $111K/yr

Maintain an aseptic and safe environment in the Operating Room * Assist in the intra-operative care of the patient by performing nursing and technical duties as assigned * Monitor patients' vital ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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$10

$16

$36

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Michigan is $16.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.24 and $16.25 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,973 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Operating Room Assistant

Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Southfield, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Orthopaedic Team Opportunity

As the largest and most comprehensive orthopaedic team in the state, we've combined the medical expertise of the state's finest orthopaedic and musculoskeletal surgeons, specialists, and research pioneers. And along the continuum of care, every provider we work with feels a compelling commitment to leadership in education, innovation and research, as well as a dedication and desire to put each patient first.

Interested in orthopaedics? See why it's worth it. Our career opportunities come with competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and a platform to do the work you love. And as the largest and most comprehensive orthopaedic team in Michigan, we're looking for skilled and enthusiastic individuals to apply today.

Position Summary

The Operating Room Assistant (ORA), under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), provides support as a member of the surgical team through: room turnover, inventory/restocking, assistance with equipment, transportation of supplies/instrumentation, cleaning and sterilizing equipment and smooth flow of patient care in the OR.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate room cleaning and turnover time.
  • Performs other cleaning responsibilities as assigned by department. Cleans surgical area and equipment adhering to center and cleaning product guidelines.
  • Uses equipment and supplies safely and appropriately. This includes: setting up suction equipment and disposing of suction canisters, assists with opening of sterile supplies for procedures; checking and logging humidity levels and temperatures; and prepares the unit in the morning for patient care activities; or assists in closing the department at night.
  • Demonstrates flexibility while responding to the Surgical Center's needs, shows initiative in utilizing time effectively; works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate room cleaning and turnover time.
  • Performs and maintains stocking of supplies and inventory used in the ORs, anesthesia carts, and clean storage areas. Helps maintain appropriate par levels of supplies and notifies appropriate personnel if supply levels become low. Assist in placing supplies where they belong when shipment arrives.
  • Supports surgical case set-up by assuring all needed supplies or equipment is available. Communicates any missing items promptly to Materials Manager, OR Manager and/or Clinical Director.
  • Facilitates movement of clean supplies between floors according to center protocol.
  • Demonstrates adherence to following aseptic technique; complies with universal/standard precautions; bagging and disposing of soiled linen and medical waste; replacing full sharps containers; cleaning equipment between patients' use, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Communicates effectively with patients, their families, and members of the health care team and maintains patient confidentiality.
  • Supports the principles of quality assurance and process improvement including functioning as an effective team member; focus on meeting and exceeding the expectations of internal and external customers; strives for continual improvement in systems and personal competency; supports other members of the health care team to achieve principles of QAPI through modeling them in own role.
  • Assumes responsibility for continually improving own expertise. Participates in continuing education and in-service programs related to achieving and/or maintaining competency in assigned skills and enhancing team functioning and effectiveness.
Education, Experience, Licenses, and Certifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Operating Room experience with general knowledge of sterile technique and medical terminology preferred.

What Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons employees say

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