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Operating Room Tech Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$44.20 - $73.85/hr

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$44.20 - $73.85/hr

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$44.20 - $73.85/hr

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

Registered Nurse, Operating Room

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$44.20 - $73.85/hr

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

The Operating Room Department is always striving to provide the latest and most advanced technology in surgical patient care. This is reflected on the state of the art Robotic Program as a Center of ...

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Operating Room Tech information

See Washington, DC salary details

$718

$1.9K

$2.8K

How much do operating room tech jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for operating room tech in Washington, DC is $1,920.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,534.62 and $2,296.15 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.

Infographic showing various Operating Room Tech job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,850 per year, or $48 per hour.
Operating Room Technician

$285K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements
Join a High-Performing Surgical Team
What Sets Our Operating Room Apart
Our Operating Room features 8 advanced operating rooms supporting a full spectrum of surgical services, including cardiac, trauma, orthopedics, robotics, neurosurgery, and multiple specialties. As a Level II Trauma Center and teaching hospital, we deliver high-acuity, high-volume surgical care. Our culture is defined by teamwork, safety, and clinical excellence, ensuring nurses practice at the top of their profession.
Opportunities for Growth & Professional Development
Here, nurses build broad, versatile skill sets across diverse surgical specialties. You'll collaborate with surgeons, residents, and faculty, gaining exposure to cutting-edge techniques and academic practice. We support your professional journey through:
โ€ข Structured Periop 101 courses for new OR nurses.
โ€ข Specialty training and cross-training opportunities.
โ€ข Shared governance participation.
โ€ข Leadership development pathways.
โ€ข Access to ongoing academic learning and mentorship.
A Collaborative Work Environment
We believe exceptional care starts with exceptional communication. Our team benefits from:
โ€ข Daily huddles that promote transparency and teamwork.
โ€ข Strong collaboration across all perioperative teams.
โ€ข Highly engaged, accessible leadership focused on staff support.
โ€ข Self-scheduling for shifts and call rotations to promote autonomy and balance.
A Record of Excellence
Our OR team supported care for over 6,300 trauma patients in a single year, making us one of Maryland's busiest Level II trauma centers. Through robust peer review, performance improvement initiatives, and a commitment to best practices, we consistently deliver safe, efficient, high-quality surgical care.
Community Outreach & Impact
Our nurses lead and participate in a variety of hospital-supported community outreach and philanthropic initiatives. From health education events to charitable service campaigns, our team is committed to making a meaningful impact beyond the hospital walls.
Work-Life Balance & Staff Member Wellness
We recognize that supporting our staff is essential to sustaining excellent patient care. We promote balance and well-being through:
โ€ข Self-scheduling to maintain flexibility.
โ€ข Encouragement of PTO.
โ€ข Wellness and mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program.
โ€ข Morale and recognition initiatives that strengthen team culture.
Position Summary:
The University of Maryland Capital Region Health is seeking a Full Time Day Shift Operating Room Technician to join our growing Operating Room team within a fast-paced, high-performing surgical environment focused on exceptional patient care and operational excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside experienced surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and surgical teams while supporting a diverse and high-acuity surgical case mix. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail oriented, clinically strong, and thrives in a collaborative perioperative environment where patient safety, efficiency, and teamwork drive outstanding surgical outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.
โ€ข Prepare and maintain sterile surgical instrumentation, equipment, and supplies for operative procedures.
โ€ข Scrub and assist during surgical procedures while maintaining strict aseptic technique and sterile field integrity.
โ€ข Pass instruments, supplies, and equipment to surgeons and procedural teams during operations.
โ€ข Perform surgical counts in collaboration with the RN circulator according to department policy.
โ€ข Prepare operating rooms between procedures including cleaning, turnover, and restocking of supplies/equipment.
โ€ข Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain surgical equipment, instrumentation, and power devices.
โ€ข Assist with patient positioning, transfers, transport, and intraoperative patient support activities as delegated.
โ€ข Identify breaks in sterile technique and escalate concerns appropriately to support patient safety.
โ€ข Support efficient OR workflow while collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, RNs, and interdisciplinary staff.
โ€ข Maintain compliance with infection prevention, safety, sterilization, and perioperative standards of care.
โ€ข Other duties as assigned.
Licensure & Experience:
โ€ข Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification required.
โ€ข Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
โ€ข 6 months Operating Room Technician/Surgical Technologist experience experience required.
โ€ข 1 - 3 years of Operating Room/Surgical Technologist experience strongly preferred.
โ€ข Cardiac and trauma proficiency preferred.
โ€ข Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
Full Time Day Shift Availability Required
Shift: 6:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. with required rotating weekends and holidays.
Additional Information:
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation:
โ€ข Pay Range: $28.50 - $46.39/hr.
โ€ข Shift, Weekend, & Holiday Differentials.
โ€ข Benefits Package applicable to Full-Time, Part-Time, & PRN Staff Members.
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Work Experience