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Operating Room Tech Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Legacy Health

Operating Room Assistant

Portland, OR

$20.07 - $27.18/hr

Overview In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are essential. If you see ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or central sterile tech preferred. Skills: * Must have ...

Legacy Health

Operating Room Asst GS

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.07/hr

Overview In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are essential. If you see ... sterile tech, or other medical experience. Skills: * Must have the ability to give and receive ...

Legacy Health

Operating Room Asst EH

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.07/hr

Overview In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are essential. If you see ... Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or central sterile tech preferred. Skills: * Must have ...

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All JobsOperating Room Tech JobsOperating Room Tech Jobs in Portland, OR

Operating Room Tech information

See Portland, OR salary details

$673

$1.8K

$2.6K

How much do operating room tech jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average weekly pay for operating room tech in Portland, OR is $1,798.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,438.46 and $2,151.92 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.

Operating Room Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Tech job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,529 per year, or $45 per hour.
Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant

Legacy Health

Portland, OR

$20.07 - $27.18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are essential. If you see yourself as someone who can ensure all of these as an Operating Room Assistant, this may be an ideal position for you. Here, you will realize your potential while helping to fulfill the Legacy mission of making life better for others.

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in North Portland plays a vital role as a local and regional leader in serious clinical illness or injury. With around-the-clock expertise for critical health issues, including experts in trauma, heart care, burns, significant wounds, stroke, brain surgery and more, Legacy Emanuel is central to the health of our community and critical to the care of the Northwest.

This position floats throughout the Surgical, Interventional, and Imaging Services (SIIS) division. Friday-Monday 09:00 am - 5:30 pm

Responsibilities

  • Support nursing staff as part of the surgical team to ensure safe and efficient patient care.

  • Transport blood, specimens, and other materials within Surgical Services.

  • Perform housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness in operating rooms and surrounding areas.

  • Stock supplies and maintain overall orderliness of assigned department spaces.

  • Assist with patient transportation as needed.

  • Complete additional errands and support tasks as assigned to facilitate smooth departmental operations.

Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

  • One year of previous medical experience in an acute care setting preferred. 
  • Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or central sterile tech preferred.

Skills:

  • Must have the ability to give and receive verbal and written instructions in English and perform basic computations.  Medical terminology desirable. 
  • Must be able to work well with other team members.  
  • Must be able to perform duties independently with minimal supervision. 
  • Must be able to quickly perform a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment. 
Licensure
  • Current BLS for Provider certification from the American Heart Association required.
Pay RangeUSD $20.07 - USD $27.18 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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