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Operating Room Pharmacist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operating Room Only Room turnover goal is accomplished in 25 minutes or less and maximizing ... Transporting non-controlled pharmaceuticals to lab when ordered * Responsible for educating lab ...

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Operating Room Pharmacist information

See California salary details

$27

$60

$73

How much do operating room pharmacist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room pharmacist in California is $60.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.29 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room pharmacist?

Operating Room Pharmacists are specialized pharmacists who work closely with surgical teams to ensure the safe and effective use of medications during surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing and managing medications needed in the operating room, advising surgeons and anesthesiologists on drug interactions and dosages, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Their expertise helps minimize medication errors and supports optimal patient outcomes during surgeries.

How does an operating room pharmacist collaborate with the surgical team to ensure medication safety during procedures?

An Operating Room Pharmacist works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other clinical staff to ensure that all medications used during surgical procedures are prepared, labeled, and administered safely. They review medication orders for accuracy, assist with the selection of appropriate drugs, and provide real-time consultation on drug compatibility and dosing. This role often involves rapid decision-making and effective communication, as the pharmacist must respond to urgent requests and troubleshoot medication-related issues in a fast-paced environment. Their proactive involvement helps minimize medication errors and supports optimal patient outcomes during surgery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room pharmacist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Pharmacist, you need an advanced pharmacy degree (PharmD), state licensure, and expertise in sterile compounding, medication safety, and perioperative drug management. Familiarity with automated dispensing cabinets, surgical inventory systems, and medication tracking software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with surgical teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, timely medication delivery and reduce the risk of errors in high-pressure surgical environments.

What is the difference between Operating Room Pharmacist vs Surgical Pharmacist?

AspectOperating Room PharmacistSurgical Pharmacist
CredentialsLicensed Pharmacist, often with sterile compounding certificationLicensed Pharmacist, with sterile compounding experience
Work EnvironmentHospital operating rooms, sterile environmentsHospital pharmacy, surgical units, sterile compounding areas
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical clinics
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on perioperative medication managementCenters on medication preparation for surgeries

Operating Room Pharmacists and Surgical Pharmacists both work in hospital settings and require similar credentials. The main difference lies in their specific roles: Operating Room Pharmacists are primarily present in the OR during surgeries, managing medications in sterile environments, while Surgical Pharmacists often prepare and dispense medications used in surgical procedures outside the OR. Both roles are essential for ensuring safe medication practices in surgical settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room Pharmacist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Operating Room Pharmacist jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Operating Room Pharmacist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating Room Pharmacist jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Pharmacist job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,042 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Operating Room Assistant

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Hospitals • 5 - 10K employees

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 1,066 rated hospitals


Job description


Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Primary functions include patient transport, general cleaning, equipment cleaning, gathering equipment, proper preparation and assembly of highly specialized equipment, specimen transport, room turnover, performing shave preps.
  • Will also assist the team with patient-care (positioning and prepping) under direction of RN/ MD/ Tech.
  • Will also prepare for the next procedure (set up trays, supplies, etc.) and maintain supplies for the modalities.
  • This role facilitates patient flow, serves as a central point of communication, assists with patient transfers and remains with patients while awaiting their procedures as needed.
Operating Room Only
Room turnover goal is accomplished in 25 minutes or less and maximizing efficiency is expected.
Imaging Services Only
  • Ongoing telephone communications between departments
  • Assisting with prioritizing daily patient schedules
  • Coordinating throughout in procedure room as directed
  • Retrieving lab results
  • Provides assistance to all hospital-based Imaging departments and campus adjacent imaging centers as needed to support patient care.
Cath Lab Only
  • Transporting non-controlled pharmaceuticals to lab when ordered
  • Responsible for educating lab staff regarding proper sanitizing practices and signs off competencies
  • Responsible for orienting and sign-off of employees to supply distribution centers
  • Collaborates with technologists to manage availability of sterile instruments available for use
  • Responsible for receipt, distribution, and storage of supplies while utilizing technology-based LEAN par management system
  • Serves as a department resource and product liaison
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Skills and knowledge of equipment related to the surgical/ procedural environment
  • 1 year of patient care experience in hospital setting or 6-month experience as Operating Room/Imaging/CathLab Assistant preferred
Certifications Required
  • BLS Certification

What Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian employees say

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About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, located in Newport Beach, CA, US, is a leading health care provider within the healthcare industry. Their official website is hoag.org. Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery network in Orange County, California, that treats over 30,000 inpatients and 450,000 outpatients annually. Founded in 1952, the hospital has stood as a pillar of health in the community for over six decades. Committed to providing the highest quality care to patients, Hoag offers a range of comprehensive services including cancer care, women's health services, heart and vascular service, orthopedics, neurosciences and spine care.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newport Beach, CA, US