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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Room Assistant information

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How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Raleigh, NC is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.48 and $17.89 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,493 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke Raleigh Hospital, A Campus of Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with the Duke Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 204-beds, it is the third largest of the four Duke Health hospitals and offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, advanced gastrointestinal, and wound healing care.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

  • Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
  • Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
  • Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
  • Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
  • Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
  • Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Hiring Incentives

  • $10,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible Surgical Technologists -Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months).
  • Relocation assistance up to $3,000 available for Surgical Technologists relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC.

Work Schedule:

  • Full time; 4 x 10 hour shift; 11am - 9pm.

General Description of the Job Class

  • Surgical Technologists (ST) are allied health professionals who assist in the preparation and care of surgical patients ranging from infancy to geriatrics under the general direction of a professional nurse. The ST possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
  • The ST who has a dual function in the operating room and the ambulatory setting demonstrates competency in the care of surgical patients preoperatively and postoperatively in the ambulatory surgical clinic setting.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Level I - New graduate with up to 18 months of full-time equivalent experience.

  • Perform all responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates Service Excellence towards patients, physicians, peers and other departments.
  • Assume responsibility for upholding the policies and procedures of the department and organization.
  • Demonstrates eagerness to learn, takes direction, adapts to changes within unit, demonstrates consistent progress toward Level II.
  • Establishes and maintains sterile field and assures team maintains sterile environment.
  • Demonstrate and practice a good understanding of sterile technique. Has a basic knowledge of instrumentations.
  • Prepare Operating Room with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
  • Demonstrates correct and safe instrumentation passing and performs sponge, needle and instrument counts in a safe and accurate manner.
  • Maintain technical skills to serve a patient population comprised of infancy to geriatric clients.
  • Take calls and rotate shifts as required under the direction of a registered nurse.
  • For Surgical Technologists with a dual role in an ambulatory environment, additional responsibilities may include: prepare patients for examinations and procedures in the surgical clinic setting; assist the physician during patient examination and procedures in the clinic; collect and label laboratory specimens for processing; reinforce postoperative instructions under direction of physician or RN; assist with incoming and outgoing patient calls under supervision of physician or RN; remove sutures/ staples, change sterile and non-sterile dressings, following DUHS policies and procedures, under direction of RN or physician; perform other clinical functions as delegated and supervised by the RN or physician; schedule and post surgical cases; coordinate complex scheduling of cases which require additional surgical support; update and file patient medical records.
  • Must advance to level II within 18 months.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Level II - Perform all the duties and responsibilities of Level I, plus the following:

  • Assist with the teaching of newly hired technologists and student technologists.
  • Serve as a role model to new employees and other staff members.
  • Establish and maintain sterile field and assure team maintains sterile environment independently.
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
  • Apply basic knowledge of instrumentations to several cases.
  • Demonstrate appropriate and correct case preparation.
  • Competent at unit level.
  • Corrects deficiencies at the case level.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, staff members and physicians.
  • Adherence to standards including but not limited to unit and hospital policies and procedures, regulatory standards, and patient safety goals.
  • Assume responsibility for self and ensures that the policies, procedures and safety practices of the Operating Room and Hospital are reinforced.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.


Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

  • Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program or maintains an accredited Surgical Technologist certification (NCCT or NBSTSA).
  • Or, provides evidence of the successful completion of an appropriate training program for Surgical Technology in the United States Military.

Experience

  • Level I- Entry level position for new graduates of Surgical Technology program or Surgical Technologists with 0 to 18 months experience.
  • Level II- Requires 6 to 12 months of full-time equivalent Surgical Technology or relevant military experience.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

  • Level I- BLS required.
  • Level II- BLS required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to adapt to changes within unit.
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, and often without relief.
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy relating to the surgical procedure and the instrumentation required in order to effectively anticipate the needs of the surgeon.
  • Ability to set priorities and respond appropriately to actual and/or potential life threatening situations.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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