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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, participates as a member of the multidisciplinary surgical team to assist with operating room set-up and turn-over to enable efficient use of operating ...

Operating Room Assistant

Lanham, MD ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.78/hr

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, participates as a member of the multidisciplinary surgical team to assist with operating room set-up and turn-over to enable efficient use of operating ...

Operating Room Assistant

Lanham, MD ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.78/hr

Surgical Technician Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, participates as a member of the multidisciplinary surgical team to assist with operating room set-up and turn-over to enable ...

RN - OR

Upper Marlboro, MD ยท On-site

$2.6K/wk

... Job Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2681.52 Shift Details Shift 8 Hour Evening Scheduled Hours 40 Job ... Participate in on-call shifts and rotations as assigned. * Assist in training and mentoring new ...

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Operating Room Assistant information

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How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Washington is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.97 and $19.87 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,758 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Operating Room Assistant

University of Maryland Medical System

La Plata, MD โ€ข On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements
At University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC), our talented and diverse groups of professionals represent our strength. Through teamwork and a collaborative work environment, we proudly serve our patients and our community with unwavering commitment. It's our passion for people that motivates us to do great work every single day. Consistently named among the top 100 Best Places to Work in Maryland, our team members have the opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive and stimulating environment.
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a skilled and dependable Full-Time Mid Shift Operating Room Assistant to join our growing Surgical Services team. In this role, you'll support daily operating room operations by transporting patients, preparing operating rooms, cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment, maintaining supplies, and assisting with essential perioperative support activities that help ensure safe, efficient surgical care.
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, value teamwork, and take pride in supporting exceptional patient care behind the scenes, this is a great opportunity to build a rewarding career in Surgical Services.
Full-Time Mid Shift | Monday - Friday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.
โ€ข Transport patients safely to and from the Operating Room while verifying patient identification and following established protocols.
โ€ข Prepare operating rooms by cleaning equipment, making beds, and ensuring rooms are ready for the next surgical procedure.
โ€ข Clean, inspect, reassemble, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment following established policies and infection prevention standards.
โ€ข Operate sterilization equipment and perform biological and chemical monitoring while maintaining accurate documentation.
โ€ข Restock surgical supplies, monitor inventory levels, and maintain organized storage areas.
โ€ข Follow Standard Precautions and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) to promote a safe surgical environment.
โ€ข Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and environmental hazards.
โ€ข Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, Sterile Processing, and Surgical Services staff to support efficient operating room workflow.
โ€ข Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
โ€ข High school diploma or GED, required.
โ€ข One (1) year of Operating Room Assistant or related healthcare experience preferred.
โ€ข Valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or must be obtained during the probationary period.
โ€ข Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.
โ€ข Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills required.
โ€ข Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Full-Time Evening Shift | Monday - Friday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Additional Information:
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation:
โ€ข Pay Range: $17.00 - $21.39 per hour.
โ€ข Shift, Weekend, and Holiday Differential Pay Where Applicable.
โ€ข Comprehensive Benefits Package for Full Time, Part Time, and PRN Staff Members.
โ€ข Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities within a Growing Surgical Services Team.
Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.