An aspiring operating room nurse must first train to be a registered nurse (RN). Programs are available for RN students who want to specialize as operating room nurses, scrub nurses, or circulating nurses. These programs train nursing students on their duties and responsibilities before, during, and after surgery, offer hands-on training with patients under anesthesia, and provide the sterilization techniques for cleaning surgical tools. Once you have completed your schooling, research the RN licensing requirements in the state where you wish to work. Seeking certification as an operating room nurse is optional, but may make you a more valuable candidate in your job search.

If you are interested in a job related to Operating Room Nurse, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Operating Room Nurse Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Operating Room Nurse positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Circulating Nurse
Salary range: $68,500 - $118,000
A circulating nurse works inside the operating room as a patient advocate. As the circulating nurse, your responsibilities are to ensure the operative procedures have the patient's best interest in mind. You perform your duties outside of the sterile area in the operating room. You work in collaboration with the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and surgical assistants to create a comfortable and safe environment for the patient. You are also responsible for charting the surgical events and keeping an inventory of supplies and equipment used for the procedure.
International Operating Room Nurse
Salary range: $74,500 - $101,500
International Operating Room Nurse is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for International Operating Room Nurse jobs pay between $74,500 (25th percentile) and $101,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for International Operating Room Nurse job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Operating Room Liaison
Salary range: $38,500 - $61,500
Operating Room Liaison is a typical job search query Most salaries for Operating Room Liaison jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $61,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Operating Room Liaison job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Cnor
Salary range: $72,500 - $119,000
Cnor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cnor jobs pay between $72,500 (25th percentile) and $119,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cnor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Pacu Lpn
Salary range: $52,000 - $69,000
Pacu Lpn is a typical job search query Most salaries for Pacu Lpn jobs pay between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Pacu Lpn job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Rn Perfusionist
Salary range: $139,500 - $195,500
Rn Perfusionist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Rn Perfusionist jobs pay between $139,500 (25th percentile) and $195,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Rn Perfusionist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Bermuda Hospital Board Nursing
Salary range: $126,000 - $173,000
Bermuda Hospital Board Nursing is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Bermuda Hospital Board Nursing jobs pay between $126,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Bermuda Hospital Board Nursing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Rn Periop 101 Program
Salary range: $71,000 - $98,500
Rn Periop 101 Program is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Rn Periop 101 Program jobs pay between $71,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Rn Periop 101 Program job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Outpatient Pacu Rn
Salary range: $95,000 - $145,000
Outpatient Pacu Rn is a common job search query. Most salaries for Outpatient Pacu Rn jobs pay between $95,000 (25th percentile) and $145,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Outpatient Pacu Rn job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Inova Loudoun Hospital Rn
Salary range: $65,500 - $104,000
Inova Loudoun Hospital Rn is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Inova Loudoun Hospital Rn jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $104,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Inova Loudoun Hospital Rn job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Operating Room Nurse Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Operating Room Nurse Jobs in 2026