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Operating Room Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ScionHealth

Operating Room Tech Per Diem

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$21 - $23.28/hr

These positions also set up and strip down the operating room prior and after surgery under the guidance of a Circulating Nurse. Essential Functions Maintain appropriate sterile fields by preparing ...

CommonSpirit Health

Surgical Tech III

Oxnard, CA

One California As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients. Every day, you will set ...

CommonSpirit Health

Surgical Tech III

Oxnard, CA

One California As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients. Every day, you will set ...

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Operating Room Tech information

See California salary details

$626

$1.7K

$2.4K

How much do operating room tech jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for operating room tech in California is $1,673.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,338.46 and $2,001.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Operating Room Tech typically collaborate with surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Techs, also known as surgical technologists, play a crucial role in the surgical team by ensuring all necessary instruments and supplies are sterile and readily available. They work closely with surgeons by passing instruments, holding retractors, and anticipating the needs of the procedure. Collaboration with nurses is also essential, as techs assist in preparing the operating room and maintaining a sterile field throughout the surgery. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as Operating Room Techs help ensure surgeries proceed smoothly and safely for patients.

What do operating room technicians do?

Operating room technicians, also known as surgical technologists, prepare the operating room by sterilizing equipment, setting up surgical instruments, and ensuring a sterile environment. During surgeries, they assist surgeons by passing instruments and supplies, and they help with patient positioning and cleanup afterward. Certification and knowledge of sterile techniques are essential for this role.

What kind of surgical tech gets paid the most?

Operating Room Techs with specialized skills, such as surgical technologists working in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, tend to earn higher salaries. Certification, experience, and working in high-demand or complex surgical environments also contribute to increased pay.

Which pays more, CNA or surgical tech?

Surgical technologists typically earn higher wages than CNAs due to their specialized training and role in the operating room. While CNAs focus on basic patient care and assist with daily activities, surgical techs handle sterile procedures and surgical instruments, often requiring certification. Salary differences can vary by location and experience but generally favor surgical technologists.

What are Operating Room Techs?

Operating Room Techs, also known as surgical technologists or scrub techs, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons, nurses, and other members of the surgical team during operations. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary equipment is available. During procedures, they help by passing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment. Their work is essential for the safety and efficiency of surgical operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Tech, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically gained through a surgical technology program and certification (such as CST). Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic health record systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and effective collaboration with surgeons and nurses during operations.

Is surgical tech harder than RN?

Operating Room Techs, or surgical technologists, typically require less education and training than registered nurses (RNs), and their roles focus on preparing the operating room and assisting during surgeries. RNs have broader responsibilities, including patient care, medication administration, and post-operative monitoring, which often involve more complex decision-making and a wider scope of practice. Overall, RNs generally have a more demanding and comprehensive job role compared to surgical techs.

What is the difference between Operating Room Tech vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room TechSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) often preferredCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) typically required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job DutiesAssisting in surgeries, preparing operating roomsPreparing OR, passing instruments, assisting during procedures
Industry UsageCommonly used term in hospitals and healthcare settingsOften used interchangeably with Operating Room Tech

Both Operating Room Tech and Surgical Technologist roles involve assisting in surgeries and preparing operating rooms. The terms are often used interchangeably, with Surgical Technologist being the more formal credential. Certification requirements are similar, and both work in hospital and surgical center environments. Understanding these similarities can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Operating Room Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Operating Room Tech job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Tech jobs in CA? For Operating Room Tech jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operating Room Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,038 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Operating Room Tech

Methodist Hospital Sacramento

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$41.57 - $47.09/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Where You'll Work
Founded in 1973, Dignity Health - Methodist Hospital is a 158-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Sacramento, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II NICU, heart care, cancer care, women's health, and neurology. Additionally, Methodist Hospital of Sacramento has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.
One Community. One Mission. One California
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Operating Room Tech, you will be a vital member of the healthcare team, providing technical and supportive services in the Operating Room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse/Supervisor/Clinical Coordinator.
Every day you will access or distribute drugs, needles, or syringes to/within patient care areas or treatment carts as per hospital policy. Your role ensures seamless and safe OR function, supporting surgical procedures and maintaining sterility.
To be successful in this role requires meticulous attention, strong surgical and sterile technique knowledge, excellent teamwork, and adherence to all policies.
  • Technical Skills: Competent in psychomotor skills and technical procedures. Responsible and accountable for using aseptic technique principles in preparation for and assisting with surgical procedures and to create and maintain a sterile field. Sets up and is prepared sufficiently ahead of time to prevent delays in the schedule and to facilitate case flow. Utilizes physician's preference cards/receipts to obtain instruments, supplies, and equipment in preparation for each case. Maintains adequate supplies during procedure, anticipates needs and is an active participant in surgical procedures. Responsible and accountable for sharps containment, safety and disposal to facilitate safe handling by assistants. Prepares intraoperative staples/sutures and cuts sutures as requested. Performs sponges, needles, and instrument counts at the direction of the circulating RN. Other duties as directed by surgeon or circulating RN within the scope their practice. Accurately handles specimens. Knowledgeable of all types and amounts of local anesthetic/drugs/solutions used during procedure and identifies the type/amount correctly to surgeon and RN Circulator. Performs technical functions under the direction of the surgeon during procedure, i.e. suctions and irrigates operative site and retracts tissue as directed. Reports break in aseptic technique to circulating RN and surgeon. Accurately performs sterilization and disinfection procedures in relation to the operation of sterilizers. Checks schedule for assignments and
  • room changes daily. Performs hand scrub according to unit structure standards. Gowns and gloves self and other members of the surgical team. Assists with patient needs as requested/required and remains aware of patient level of consciousness. Assists in removal of scrub solutions from operative area an application of dressings. Assists in transfer of patient from OR table to gurney. Assists in disposal or removal to cleaning area of used equipment/supplies, linen and waste as outlined in Infection Control policies and procedures. Functions as a team member to prepare/clean room for next case and assist in other responsibilities to facilitate the efficiency of the room/unit (i.e., washes equipment, mops floors, transports patients, etc. as requested). Seeks assistance in areas of question. Responds effectively in emergency situations.
  • Documentation: Performs legible, timely, concise and accurate documentation according to policies and procedures.
  • Organizational Skills: Uses appropriate organization, priority setting and problem solving skills.
  • Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively using proper communication etiquette. Understands and uses medical terminology accurately. Includes reporting abnormals or change in patient condition to appropriate personnel in timely manner.
  • Self Development: Is accountable for self-directed learning and participation in continuing education to meet own professional development. Participates in relevant inservice programs and continuing education activities.

Job Requirements
Required
  • Other Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program with an externship at Methodist Hospital Main OR or 1 year, upon hire
  • Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire

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