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Operating Room Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Room Tech

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

The Operating Room Technician Certified reports to the Director, Surgical Services and assists in nursing care activities under the direction of a registered nurse and according to the policies and ...

Insight

Operating Room Tech

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

The Operating Room Technician Certified reports to the Director, Surgical Services and assists in nursing care activities under the direction of a registered nurse and according to the policies and ...

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Operating Room Technician information

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$634

$1.7K

$2.5K

How much do operating room technician jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average weekly pay for operating room technician in the United States is $1,696.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,355.77 and $2,028.85 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Operating Room Technician?

An operating room technician, also known as a surgical technologist, works in an operating room at a hospital, surgical center, or another medical facility assisting surgeons, doctors, and nurses with surgical tasks. As an operating room technician, your duties commonly involve providing patient care, readying operating room equipment, checking patient vital signs throughout surgery, and operating basic hand tools. Post-surgery duties include transferring patients out of the operating room, delivering any specimens to labs, and restocking supplies. This career requires operating room experience, typically from an accredited post-secondary training program. These programs teach essential skills, including basic medical principles and an overview of surgical technology.

How much does a surgery technician make?

Operating Room Technicians, also known as surgical technologists, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, certifications, and the healthcare facility, with some earning over $70,000 in high-demand areas.

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

To thrive as an Operating Room Technician, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by a surgical technology diploma or certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic health record systems is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures, supporting positive patient outcomes and smooth operating room operations.

Who gets paid more, RN or surgical tech?

Registered Nurses (RNs) generally earn higher salaries than surgical technologists due to their advanced education, licensing, and broader responsibilities in patient care. RNs often have higher earning potential, especially with specialized certifications or experience, while surgical techs typically require less formal education and work primarily in the operating room assisting with procedures.

What does an operating room tech do?

An operating room technician, also known as a surgical technologist, prepares the operating room by sterilizing equipment, setting up surgical instruments, and ensuring a sterile environment. They assist surgeons and nurses during procedures by passing instruments and maintaining supplies, often working in fast-paced hospital or surgical center settings. Certification and knowledge of sterile techniques are typically required for this role.

Which is harder, surgical tech or LPN?

Operating Room Technicians and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have different training and responsibilities; surgical tech programs typically focus on sterile techniques and assisting in surgeries, while LPN programs include broader patient care skills. The difficulty depends on individual aptitude and the specific skills required, but both roles require certification and hands-on training.

What are the most common challenges an Operating Room Technician faces during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterile techniques in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to unexpected changes during surgeries, and managing multiple surgical instruments efficiently. They must also communicate clearly with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to anticipate needs and prevent errors. Staying calm under pressure and being detail-oriented are essential traits to thrive in this dynamic role.

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

AspectOperating Room TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) often preferredCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) typically required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipmentPrepare operating rooms, assist during surgeries, sterilize instruments
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare settings for surgical supportWidely recognized in healthcare for assisting in surgeries

Both Operating Room Technicians and Surgical Technologists work in surgical environments, assisting with patient preparation and instrument sterilization. While their roles are similar, Surgical Technologists often have more formal certification requirements and broader responsibilities during surgeries. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right career path or job opportunity in the surgical support field.

What are Operating Room Technicians?

Operating Room Technicians, also known as surgical technologists or scrub techs, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring all necessary instruments are available. During surgery, they pass instruments to surgeons, help maintain a sterile environment, and may assist with other tasks as needed. Their role is crucial to the smooth and safe operation of surgical procedures.
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Operating Room Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Room Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,193 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Operating Room Technician I, (Certified Surgical Technologist) Perioperative Services

Operating Room Technician I, (Certified Surgical Technologist) Perioperative Services

University Hospital, Newark NJ

Newark, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The primary purpose of the Operating Room Technician I position is to be under the direct supervision of the professional nurse. The OR Technician I performs various duties to assist with surgical procedures and related operating room activities. The OR Technician I delivers care as reflected in the Association of Surgical Technologists’ Recommended Standards of Practice in a manner that is cost effective without compromising quality of care. The OR Technician I possesses knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tolls and technologist to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. The OR Technician I demonstrates competency to scrub for minor/major surgical and endoscopic surgical procedures. An Operating Room Technician I is a certified technician. The OR Technician I participates in departmental quality assessment and improvement activities, meets hospital continuing education and certification requirements, participates in student teaching activities, upholds Patient Care Services philosophy and objectives, demonstrates knowledge of Association of Surgical Technologists’ Recommended Standards of Practice, AORN’s Age Specific Competency Statements and demonstrates professional growth and development. Measurement of performance behavior is “as observed by Nurse Manager and/or Educational Specialist according to OR policy and procedure” unlessotherwise indicated.


Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technician Program. Candidates must be eligible to sit for the LCC-ST certifying examination. One (1) year of related experience preferred. Certification as an Operating Room Technician (LCC-ST) plus one (1) year of related experience preferred. Constant walking, bending, stooping and standing for long periods of time. Pushing and pulling of heavy objects such as gurneys, patient beds and OR beds. Must maintain a neat, clean, professional appearance. Must have understanding, patience, and tact in dealing with physicians and fellow workers. Must pay attention to detail. Must have excellent hand-eye coordination. Must be selfmotivated and work in an efficient and effective manner. Must work in air-conditioned environment with temperature of 65-73 degrees and humidity of 45-55%. When assigned to pediatric cases, temperature may be up to 85-90 degrees F. Must wear hospital provided scrub attire while on duty. Potential for cuts, bruises, muscle strains and exposure to contagious disease via and body fluids. Potential for exposure to anesthesia waste gases, ethylene oxide, harsh disinfectants, sterilizing agents, high steam pressure agents and radiation. Willingness to work with employees at various levels of skill, knowledge and abilities.

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About University Hospital

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This University Hospital Credo expresses the commitment that our employees make to our patients and to their coworkers. Each individual promises to deliver the best outcome for each patient he or she encounters, at every encounter. This pledge encompasses everything from warm and professional customer service to a clear and succinct explanation of a medical diagnosis – and everything in between. We understand that each and every one of our patients deserves and will receive our utmost attention and respect. It is our pleasure to help our patients through their health care experience at University Hospital. It is our privilege to assist them in their journey. That is our commitment to you.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, NJ, US

Year founded

1882

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