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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Mercy

RN First Assist - Main Operating Room

Anoka, MN · On-site

Mercy St Louis Hospital RN First Assist, Main Operating Room Seeking experience! Sign On Bonus Available! Who We Are The Main Operating Room at Mercy St. Louis Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and ...

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How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Minneapolis, MN is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.06 and $18.67 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 Minneapolis, MN?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN?

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

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:

What cities near Minneapolis, MN are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Minneapolis, MN with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Minneapolis, MN 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 $40,165 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Surgery Aide - Operating Room

Hennepin Healthcare

Minneapolis, MN

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Hennepin Healthcare rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 894 rated healthcare providers

Job description

SUMMARY
We are currently seeking a Surgery Aide to join our OR team. This position is full-time with benefits, 80 hours per pay period, day and evening rotation, every 4th Weekend, 8-hour shifts.

Purpose of this Position: Under direct RN supervision, the Surgery Aide is responsible for safely transporting patients to and from the Operating Room. The Surgery Aide assists the RN with positioning the patient for surgical procedures. The Surgery Aide assists with handling surgical supplies, equipment, and performs cleaning duties within the OR suites. The Surgery Aide will assist in handling and transporting specimens from OR to the lab.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Transport and transfer patients from inpatient units to and from the operating room table
  • Perform cleaning duties within the OR suites
  • Assist in room turnovers for the operating room for all cases
  • Participate in equipment assembly
  • Maintain specific OR supply inventory
  • Assist the OR team with positioning patients for surgery
  • Maintain safe corridors and keep them free of clutter
  • Support sterilization and cleaning of instruments
  • Deliver specimens, equipment, blood and x-rays to and from the OR
  • Keep OR environment clean
  • Stock linen as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience working with a health care team in a direct patient care area
  • Successful completion of on-the-job training program or applicable experience and demonstrated competence

-OR-

  • an approved equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 1 year experience working in an Operating Room

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

  • Ability to work independently without constant supervision
  • Ability to read and write English
  • Ability to transport and assist with moving patients
  • Good knowledge of body mechanics

License/Certifications:

  • Anyone hired after 2/1/2015 must be in possession of a Nursing Assistant certificate or ability to obtain Nursing Assistant certificate within 6 months
  • BLS certificate from the American Heart Association.

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