1

Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Operating Room Assistant information

See Aurora, IL salary details

$11

$18

$40

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Aurora, IL is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.59 and $18.04 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 popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Aurora, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Aurora, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Aurora, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,814 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room (OR)

Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$42 - $69.30/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room (OR)

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description: Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room (OR)

Full time, Day/evening shift TBD upon orientation completion.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. BSN preferred. ADN accepted with BSN commitment.
  • Current licensure as a registered professional nurse in the State of Illinois.
  • A minimum of three years operating room experience preferred, to include one year of experience in a surgical specialty area at Lurie Children's (preferred).
  • Ability to hold children and react quickly to emergency situations.
  • Ability to lift/move patients and equipment sometimes in excess of 20 pounds.

Job Duties:

  1. Performs functions of scrub nurse, circulating nurse, or RN First Assistant (if credentialed) to provide intra-operative nursing care following Lurie Children's Operating Room policies.
  2. Facilitates specialty service and inter-departmental communications including surgeons, vendors and contracted services. Assures availability of specialty service instruments and equipment.
  3. Participates in the orientation, evaluation and continuing education of the Operating Room staff.
  4. Facilitates the team concept by: a) selecting staff members with appropriate skill levels for team participation; b) ensuring optimum utilization of team members, and c) using structured team conferences to provide mechanism for team evaluation of patient care.
  5. Communicates with primary nurses and APNs to provide continuity of peri-operative patient care.
  6. Assists in revising, updating and developing policies and procedures for the Operating Room, Recovery Room and Outpatient Surgery. Promotes compliance to standards set by Lurie Children's, JCAHO, IDPH, OSHA, AORN and other regulatory bodies.
  7. Develops expenditure proposals to incorporate into the annual capital and operations budgets. Ensures an adequate inventory of specialty supplies and equipment.
  8. Participates in hospital committees as requested. Participates in Operating Room activities to include on-call coverage.
  9. Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.
  10. Demonstrates knowledge of pertinent aspects and competency with protocols related to the use of chemical disinfection, high level disinfection, and sterilization if required as part of the responsibilities of the role.

Education: Bachelor's Degree: Nursing (Required) -

Pay Range: $42.00-$69.30 Hourly

At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement: For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Employer paid group term life and disability
  • Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
  • 403(b) with a 5% employer match
  • Various voluntary benefits:
    • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
    • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
    • Tuition assistance
    • Student loan servicing and support
    • Adoption benefits
    • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
    • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
    • Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
    • Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us

At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively "Lurie Children's"), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints โ€” recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org

AI Notice: Lurie Children's utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.

It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.

For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org