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Operating Room Assistant information

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$11

$18

$39

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Durham, NC is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.28 and $17.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 do you need to be an operating room assistant?

To become an operating room assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions. Some positions may require certification in basic life support or patient care, and familiarity with medical tools and sterile procedures is beneficial.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in Durham, NC? The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Durham, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Durham, NC? For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:
Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,934 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Pathologist's Assistant, Operating Room Pathology, Weekdays

Advocate Aurora Health

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$44.15 - $66.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 775 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Department:
60943 Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center - Lab: Operating Room Pathology
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Varies
Pay Range:
$44.15 - $66.25
Seeking motivated, team-oriented Pathologists' Assistant with experience grossing high complexity specimens from all subspecialities, exceptional oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and critical thinking capabilities, and ability to perform Resident education. Candidates must be able to work efficiently in a high paced environment with minimal direct supervision. Willingness to participate in process improvement and troubleshooting. Familiarity with Epic information systems. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. No autopsy, weekend, or call duties.
Position Highlights:
  • Shift Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 9:30am-6:00pm.
  • Department: Operating Room Pathology
  • Location: Winston Salem. NC

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program (ASCP). Master's degree preferred.
  • ASCP Pathology Assistant (ASCP) certification or must obtain within one year of hire.

Essential Functions:
  • Performs gross processing of operating room and clinic specimens, including photography and preparation of related surgical pathology reports.
  • Teaches junior (first and second year) residents proper grossing techniques, as described in the Pathology Department's standard gross pathology protocols. Assists in process as needed to ensure timely completion.
  • Implements all operating room tissue-based research protocols, including procurement of samples, processing of samples, and notification of investigators regarding sample readiness. Ensures that written research protocols are available and readily displayed in the operating room pathology laboratory.
  • Reviews resident rotation schedules with the chief and/or senior residents.
  • Answers questions from attending pathologists regarding the dictation and orientation of gross surgical specimens.
  • Provides data for the monthly Surgical Pathology Quality Assurance reports.
  • Maintains and updates the Department's gross specimen handbook.
  • Performs administrative maintenance of surgical protocols, reports and data, including the filing of reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides, assuring the completion of specimen coding and billing.
  • Assures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
  • Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Skills/Qualifications:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge and experience with personal computers including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and statistics

Work Environment:
  • Exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens or patients
  • Exposure to risk of blood borne/airborne disease
  • Possible exposure to odorous chemicals and specimens
  • Moderate noise environment
  • Subject to injury from sharps
  • Subject to many interruptions and stressful situations
  • Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
  • Required to wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, and face protection)

DISCLAIMER
All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

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