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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Intraoperative Nursing Care: Assist in preparing the operating room (OR) environment, ensuring sterile conditions and proper functioning of surgical equipment. Collaborate with surgical team members ...

WI · On-site

Give accurate and complete report to PACU nurses. * Assist scrub personnel in turning over the room ... Operating room experience. * 1+ years of experience as a Registered Nurse. Specific Skills ...

Showing results 21-40

Operating Room Assistant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$17

$37

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Wisconsin is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.73 and $16.90 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,365 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Nursing Assistant - Inpatient Operating Room - 90% FTE, Day/Evening

Madison, WI • On-site

UW Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

$19.59 - $27.13/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


UW Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 228 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Work Schedule:
.90 FTE, 36 hours per week. This a Day/Evening position: Every Saturday and Sunday 6:40am-7:10pm. Will also work either Monday or Friday 6:40am-7:10pm depending on department needs.. 1-2 Holiday's required per year. Hours are based off the operational needs of the department.
Pay:
UW Health offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Work experience that is relevant to the position will be taken into consideration when determining the starting base pay.
Additional components of pay include:
  • Weekend shift differential
  • External hires may be eligible for a $2700 sign on bonus (pro-rated on the FTE).

Be a part of the REMARKABLE team where we consistently earn top honors for patient care and continually look for new and innovative ways to provide patient and family-centered care.
We are seeking a Nursing Assistant (CNA, NA) to:
  • Be knowledgeable and assist with room/equipment preparation prior to surgeries.
  • Coordinate preventative equipment maintenance in accordance with safety standards.
  • Arrange specimen transport and testing for the Inpatient Operating Room.
  • Assist with patient positioning, patient transport, intentional rounding, stocking, and ordering equipment.
  • Help maintain high patient care standards in a surgical services setting.

At UW Health, you will have:
  • An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
  • Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
  • Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
  • Tuition reimbursement - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.

Qualifications:
  • Graduate of State of Wisconsin approved Nurse Aid Training Program Required

Work Experience:
  • 1 year of recent experience as a Nursing Assistant Preferred

Licenses & Certifications:
  • Listed on the State of Wisconsin Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aid Registry Upon Hire Required
  • BLS/CPR certification within 3 months Required

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that's ranked Wisconsin's #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.
Job Description
UW Hospital and Clinics benefits

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About UW Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US