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Operating Room Technologist Jobs in Portland, OR

RN - OR

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$2.2K - $2.5K/wk

Collaborate with physicians, surgical technologists, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality ... Operating room or acute care experience preferred * Strong critical thinking, communication, and ...

Operating Room Assistant

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $30.39/hr

Operating Room Assistant In the operating room, timeliness, cleanliness, and orderliness are ... latest technology in a setting designed for comfort and care for the whole family. We feature ...

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Operating Room Technologist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$18

$33

$58

How much do operating room technologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating room technologist in Portland, OR is $33.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $44.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operating room technologist?

Operating Room Technologists, also known as surgical technologists or scrub techs, are healthcare professionals who assist surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff during surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring all surgical instruments and equipment are sterile and ready, and passing instruments to the surgical team during the operation. Their role is vital to maintaining a safe and efficient surgical environment, preventing infections, and supporting the surgical team throughout procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room technologist?

To thrive as an Operating Room Technologist, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, typically supported by a surgical technologist certificate or associate degree. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring patient safety, smooth surgical operations, and effective collaboration within the surgical team.

What are some common challenges operating room technologists face during surgical procedures, and how can they prepare for them?

Operating Room Technologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing situations in the operating room, handling complex surgical instruments, and maintaining strict adherence to sterile procedures under pressure. They must be prepared to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and respond quickly to unexpected events. To prepare, technologists benefit from thorough pre-operative briefings, regular skills training, and building strong communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, all of which help ensure a smooth and safe surgical environment.

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

AspectOperating Room TechnologistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CBET, NBSTSA)Certification (e.g., CST)
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms in hospitals and surgical centersOperating rooms, clinics, outpatient facilities
Job RoleAssists during surgeries, manages equipment, prepares sterile fieldsPrepares operating rooms, assists during surgeries, sterilizes instruments

Both roles work in surgical settings and require similar certifications, but Operating Room Technologists often have more advanced responsibilities and may work in more complex procedures. Surgical Technologists typically focus on preparing the operating room and assisting during surgeries. The choice depends on the level of responsibility and specific job duties desired.

Infographic showing various Operating Room Technologist job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,951 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

RN, Doernbecher Operating Room

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Doernbecher Operating Room

The Doernbecher Operating Room at OHSU is a high-acuity surgical environment dedicated to pediatric patients ranging from neonates to young adults. The unit consists of 10 operating rooms, including two Hybrid OR's for advanced image-guided interventions and complex neurosurgical procedures and other specialized cases. Surgical services span a wide range of pediatric specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, urology, ENT, plastic surgery, gynecology, trauma, and transplant. Patients present with varying levels of acuity, from routine outpatient procedures to emergent, life-threatening conditions. In some cases, patients up to 24 years of age may be treated with anesthesia and provider approval.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
  • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue.0308 holiday hours for each hour paid โ€“ included in vacation accruals)
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
  • Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources
Function/Duties of Position

The multidisciplinary team includes Operating Room Registered Nurses, Cardiac Cath Registered Nurses, Certified Surgical Technologists, Surgeons, Anesthesiologists and Registered Radiology Technologists, Core Techs and support staff. Teams collaborate closely to ensure safe, efficient, and developmentally appropriate surgical care for every patient. The department is open 24/7 to support scheduled, urgent, and emergent procedures. Dedicated on-call teams provide surgical coverage seven days a week, ensuring access to critical surgical interventions for pediatric patients across the region. As part of a leading academic medical center, Doernbecher's Operating Room supports ongoing education, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. The team is committed to fostering a learning environment while delivering high-quality, family-centered care.

Department Specific Working Conditions:

  • Requires ability to push patients in stretchers around corners and through hallways throughout the shift.
  • Requires the ability to work in a dark or dimly lit procedure room for extended periods.
  • Requires weekend, holiday, and after-hours call; must be able to report to work within 45 minutes of being called.
  • Must be able to stand for up to 4 continuous hours and tolerate walking or moving throughout the entire shift.
  • Must be able to wear up to 20 pounds of lead protective equipment for procedures.
  • Must be able to assist with moving and turning sedated patients using safe patient handling equipment.
  • May be required to float to other perioperative/procedural areas within OHSU based on department needs.
  • Requires standing and walking on hard surfaces (concrete, vinyl, carpet) up to 12 hours per day, intermittently.
  • Requires sitting on a chair or stool, intermittently, for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting up to 50 pounds above head level, and push/pull up to 400 pounds intermittently during the shift.
  • Requires bending, reaching, twisting, and overhead movement throughout the day.
  • Must be able to safely use all patient care equipment in the Hybrid OR setting.
  • Requires ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, tasks, and urgent clinical needs in a dynamic environment.
  • May be exposed to body fluids, tissues, and infectious materials.
  • Requires periods of computer use for documentation and coordination of care.
  • Must practice within the scope of Oregon nursing law and in alignment with AORN standards and recommended practices.
  • Expected to integrate and demonstrate OHSU Core Competencies in all aspects of clinical practice: Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, and Teamwork.
  • Excellent communication skills, including active listening, respectful engagement with diverse patient populations, and effective conflict resolution.
  • Provides both direct and indirect professional nursing care.
  • Uses the nursing process effectively, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Maintains composure and sound clinical judgment in high-stress and emergent situations.
  • Practices in accordance with Oregon nursing law and adheres to standards and recommended practices.
  • Serves as a role model in supporting and promoting OHSU's vision and mission.
  • Demonstrates and integrates OHSU Core Competencies into daily practice:
  • Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in an operating room
  • BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
  • ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
  • Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
  • Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
  • BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
Preferred Qualifications

โ€ข Specialty certification preferred CNOR โ€ข Pediatric OR experience โ€ข A minimum score of 11 out of 18 on OHSUs Nurse Interview Evaluation Tool โ€ข Knowledge of pediatric surgical instrumentation, equipment, regulations, perioperative standards and the ability to troubleshoot issues pertaining to the OR Demonstrates strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and effective prioritization in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment โ€ข Proficient IV insertion and management skills

Additional Details

Length of Orientation โ€“ Experienced Nurse

  • External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
  • Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.
Why Apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu