ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Hope

Clinical Nurse III - Operating Room

Irvine, CA · On-site

$40 - $54.50/hr

As a successful candidate, you will: Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. Ensure the operating room is ...

City of Hope

Clinical Nurse IV - Operating Room

Irvine, CA · On-site

$40 - $54.50/hr

Clinical Nurse IV - Operating Room City of Hope Orange County is transforming cancer treatment by ... * Assist with onboarding, orientation, and continued education of OR staff on oncology-specific ...

Mission Hospital

RN - OR

Orange, CA · On-site

$2.8K/wk

... Title RN - OR Weekly Pay $2884.8 Shift Details Shift 10-Hour Day Scheduled Hours 40 Job Order ... Administer treatments and medications as prescribed. * Assist in various minor surgical cases ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperating Room JobsOperating Room Assistant JobsOperating Room Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Operating Room Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$19

$41

How much do operating room assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.07 and $18.68 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Operating Room Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,188 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Clinical Nurse III - Operating Room

Irvine, CA • On-site

City of Hope
Hospitals • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about City of Hopeexternal

$40 - $54.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Clinical Nurse III - Operating Room

City of Hope Orange County is transforming cancer treatment by bringing world-class expertise and specialized care closer to home. Supported by a regional network of care, our 11-acre academic cancer campus in Irvine is home to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, our outpatient cancer center, and Orange County's only cancer specialty hospital, opening in late 2025. With the opening of the hospital, the full continuum of advanced cancer care—from prevention through survivorship—will be available in Orange County for the first time, eliminating the need to travel for lifesaving treatment. Seamlessly connected to our outpatient cancer center, the new clinical research hospital will feature 73 inpatient beds, advanced surgical suites, groundbreaking clinical trials, and holistic services such as rehabilitative therapy and spiritual care. This isn't standard cancer care. This is lifesaving cancer care. This is Hope. Position Summary City of Hope is seeking a skilled and compassionate Clinical Nurse to join our exceptional team in the operating room, specializing in cancer treatment. In this crucial role, you will contribute to the fight against cancer by providing outstanding surgical care to our patients. The OR Nurse prepares patients for surgery, assists during operations, and ensures a sterile and safe environment. The OR Nurse will collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care tailored to the unique needs of oncology patients. This opportunity is for full time, 12-hour shifts (3 shifts per week). Call is a requirement for this position. Up to $20,000 Sign-on Bonus Available! As a successful candidate, you will: Assist in surgical procedures related to cancer treatment, including tumor removal, organ resection, and reconstructive surgery. Ensure the operating room is prepared with the necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies for each procedure. Prepare the operating room for procedures, including any necessary supplies, medications, and/or equipment, following aseptic and evidence-based practices. Learn and maintain competencies for innovative surgical technology including robotic-assisted surgery. Care and advocate for patients throughout the surgical care journey. Maintain meticulous documentation of surgical procedures.

Your qualifications should include: Bachelor's Degree or Master's degree in Nursing is required Current California RN license. Minimum of three (3) years related experience as a RN. Requirement of 1-year perioperative experience or a formal Perioperative nursing specialty course completed prior to application or within 6 months of hire or transfer. Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association ACLS through American Heart Association CNOR (preferred) City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location. City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine

Job: Nursing Work Force Type: Onsite Shift: Days

What City Of Hope employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

City of Hope logo

About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913

View All City of Hope Jobs

Apply