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

OR RN * Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Oak Lawn, IL * Travel Nurse Salary: $3067 ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

OR RN * Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Chicago, IL * Travel Nurse Salary: $2316/Week ... As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients ...

Directly assist operating physicians with surgical tasks, including patient positioning, instrument ... Must have 3 years RN operating room experience Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension ...

Registered Nurse Operating Room

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45.30 - $56.95/hr

Directly assist operating physicians with surgical tasks, including patient positioning, instrument ... Must have 3 years RN operating room experience Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity ...

Showing results 41-60

Operating Room Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$19

$42

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Chicago, IL is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.31 and $19.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,876 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Operating Room Registered Nurse Registry

Sinai Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Per diem

Re-posted 11 days ago


Sinai Chicago rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Registered Nurse - Operating Room (Staff Nurse - OR)

Sinai Health System - Level 1 Trauma Center, is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization comprised of seven member organizations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Sinai Children's Hospital, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Sinai Medical Group, Sinai Community Institute and Sinai Urban Health Institute. The system has over 800 physicians on its hospital medical staffs, 695 licensed beds, 100,000+ annual emergency department patient visits and eight physician residency training programs.

Consider joining a Sinai surgical team: Operating Room (OR), Post Anesthesia Critical Care Unit (PACU) and Outpatient Surgery (OPS).

Sinai's teams of nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists working together in surgical services such as vascular, hand, neuro, orthopedics, gynecological, reconstructive, urological & general surgery.

Become a Mount Sinai Hospital caregiver and cross-train to perfect your skills in the critical care perioperative environment.

The OR Nurse provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of the Patient Care Coordinators.   The individual will collaborate with other members of the surgical team to ensure the highest standard of care.  The OR Nurse accepts assignment to care for, take responsibility for, and advocate for an individual patient by coordinating efforts of the surgical team. The OR Nurse addresses the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual responses of the patient while maintaining an environment that ensures safety and compliance with administrative policies and procedures. The OR nurse has the requisite skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, plan, intervene, and evaluate the outcomes of interventions.

 

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Render confidential, technical, perioperative care to assigned patients according to AORN competency standards

Provide direct and indirect patient care under the direction of the Patient Care Coordinator

Collaborate with other members of the surgical team to ensure the highest standard of care

Anticipate needs of assigned patient, case and surgeon

Maintain vigilant for maintenance of the sterile field

Assist with maintaining equipment, instrumentation, surgeon preference cards and supply inventory

Acts in a professional manner outlined by Mount Sinai Hospital's core values or patient care and customer service

Communicate, Assist, Respect, Everyday (CARE)


What Sinai Chicago employees say

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About Sinai Chicago

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sinai Chicago is an integral part of the healthcare industry, established to provide quality and accessible healthcare for the Chicago, IL, US community. The organization operates across various healthcare sectors including teaching, research, and providing clinical care. Since its inception in 1919, Sinai Chicago has been resolute in improving the health of the people and communities it serves, with a focus on delivering value-based care to areas with pressing health needs. The core values of Sinai Chicago include respect, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and quality. The company's mission and commitment lie in nurturing healthier communities through the provision of accessible, quality healthcare.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US