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Perioperative Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$49

$88

How much do perioperative assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for perioperative assistant in Iowa is $49.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.56 and $72.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a perioperative assistant?

Perioperative assistants are healthcare workers who support surgical teams before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing operating rooms, transporting patients, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient positioning. They play a crucial role in ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient surgical environment, allowing surgeons and nurses to focus on patient care. Perioperative assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses and surgical technologists, and they must adhere to strict safety and infection control protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perioperative assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perioperative Assistant, you need knowledge of surgical procedures, infection control, and sterile techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and basic life support (BLS) certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital information systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure smooth surgical operations, patient safety, and efficient support for the surgical team.

What are some common challenges faced by perioperative assistants and how can they be managed?

Perioperative Assistants often work in fast-paced surgical environments where multitasking and quick decision-making are essential. Common challenges include adapting to rapidly changing priorities, maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols, and communicating effectively with diverse surgical team members. Successfully managing these challenges involves staying organized, being proactive in anticipating surgical needs, and participating in ongoing training to remain current with best practices. Building strong teamwork skills and asking questions when uncertain also contribute to a positive and effective work environment.

What is the difference between Perioperative Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectPerioperative AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingPost-secondary certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting in pre, intra, and post-opOperating rooms, assisting during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, surgical facilitiesHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for assisting roles in surgeryMore specialized, requiring certification

Perioperative Assistants typically have less formal education and focus on supporting surgical teams through various phases of patient care. Surgical Technologists usually hold certifications and perform more technical tasks during surgeries. Both roles are essential in surgical settings but differ in training and responsibilities.

How do you become a perioperative assistant?

To become a perioperative assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as CPR or surgical technology training. Experience in healthcare settings and strong organizational skills are also beneficial, as the role involves assisting surgical teams and maintaining sterile environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Perioperative jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Perioperative jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Perioperative Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Perioperative Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Perioperative Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Perioperative Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Perioperative Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Perioperative Assistant job openings:

Perioperative Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perioperative Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,157 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Perioperative Assistant

Rochester Regional Health

Muscatine, IA • On-site

$17.85 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the setup, cleanup, and turnover of operating rooms, including preparing supplies and assisting OR staff.

  • Stock, order, and maintain supplies and sterilize equipment used during surgical procedures.

  • Transport patients, run errands, and perform miscellaneous tasks to support perioperative activities.

Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Perioperative Assistant

Department: Operating Room

Location: Unity Hospital

Hours Per Week: Full Time - 37.5 Hours

Schedule: Monday through Friday 7a-3p or 11a-7p; On-call requirements.

SUMMARY

As a Perioperative Assistant, your ability to accurately and efficiently assist in the setup and processing of instruments in the operating room is vital in the successful flow of operations for all cases.

Operating Room

The OR at Unity Hospital has 14 Operating Room Suites, including four Endoscopic suites for advanced laparoscopic procedures. The OR specializes in 12 service lines to include Ear, Nose, Throat, General Surgery, Gynecological, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Plastics & Reconstructive, Podiatry, Thoracic, Urology, Vascular, Colorectal and Neurosurgery/Spine.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Preparation & Assistance. Prepare supplies for cases; pick linen, fill needs list, secure positional aides, update pick sheets and locate loaner equipment; assist OR Staff in the setup, cleanup and turnover of operating rooms; perform surgical prep duties (shaving, holding limbs), assist with positioning surgical patients
  • Supply Management. Stock and order all necessary supplies under the direction of the OR Materials Manager; rotate stock, check for expirations; maintain a sterile environment at all times; sterilize all equipment and transport items to turnover rooms for processing; wash and reassemble all instruments used during surgical procedures as requested
  • General Administration. Miscellaneous duties such as transport patients to and from OR, run errands, pick up x-rays, deliver equipment, clean stretchers and beds and assist in Pre-An and PACU

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong understanding of medical management techniques and processes
  • Two years of experience in central decontamination preferred.
  • Reads, writes and speaks English. Able to perform skills noted in the Unity Health System job description.
  • Proficient with computers.

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$17.85 - $20.00

CITY:

Rochester

POSTAL CODE:

14626

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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