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Job outlook for operating room assistants in the United States
Operating room assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operating room assistant job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 137,800 new jobs for operating room assistants are projected over the next decade.
Operating room assistant salaries have increased 8% for operating room assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 8,902 operating room assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 218,839 active operating room assistant job openings in the US.
The average operating room assistant salary is $34,177.
Are operating room assistant jobs in demand?
Operating room assistant job and salary trends over time
Operating room assistant jobs over time
Operating room assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,902 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,289 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 13,487 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,113 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,126 | 0.00% |
Average operating room assistant salary over time
Operating room assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $34,177 | $16.43 | +5.2% |
| 2025 | $32,477 | $15.61 | --4.3% |
| 2024 | $33,926 | $16.31 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $32,713 | $15.73 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $31,608 | $15.20 | +3.4% |
Operating room assistant jobs by state
Most common states for operating room assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 806 | 60% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 703 | 53% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,436 | 44% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 433 | 41% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,643 | 39% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,529 | 38% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 404 | 38% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 267 | 35% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,511 | 34% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,869 | 33% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,016 | 32% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,913 | 31% |
| 13 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,561 | 31% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,098 | 31% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 893 | 31% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 601 | 31% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 266 | 31% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 233 | 31% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,254 | 30% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 629 | 30% |
Most common cities for operating room assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milford | 2 | 7% | $39,832 |
| 2 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $39,872 |
| 3 | Clinton | 1 | 3% | $33,144 |
| 4 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $39,837 |
| 5 | Anchorage | 3 | 1% | $40,015 |
| 6 | Cleveland | 2 | 1% | $37,215 |
| 7 | Pembroke Pines | 2 | 1% | $24,499 |
| 8 | Berkeley | 1 | 1% | $41,780 |
| 9 | Bridgeport | 1 | 1% | $33,750 |
| 10 | Cary | 1 | 1% | $28,860 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $40,581 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $25,399 |
| 13 | Tucson | 2 | 0% | $28,417 |
| 14 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $26,339 |
Operating Room Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operating room assistant experts
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Springfield College
Merrimack College
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Assistant?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To maximize salary for a medical assistant obtaining certification from one of the credentialing organizations such as American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can make a new hire more competitive. Continuing educations along with developing any specialized skills such as phlebotomy. Demonstrating professionalism initiative and reliability, along with gaining a strong reference from previous employers.
Penny Ridenour
Dean of School of Health SciencesOklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Assistant?
Penny Ridenour: In order to maximize your earnings, flexibility is key to fit the niche the employer needs. Intentionally accept assignments that will allow growth in a specialization. If possible, ask to shadow other professionals proficient in the specialization you desire.
What Operating Room Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Penny Ridenour: To differentiate yourself from the other new professionals entering healthcare after graduation, pay attention to the soft skills employers are looking for. Listening, empathy, and communication skills polish professional persona. Also, developing skills in resiliency will equip new professionals for a growing career in healthcare.
Megan Harvey Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Health ScienceSpringfield College
School of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Operating Room Assistant resumes?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Students who plan to go into the health care field need to have both determination and thick skin and the ability to be empathic and understand their patients. We've seen the way health care professionals are being treated change, even just in the past 5 years. It can be a hard balance to walk for health care professionals, to be both firm about evidence-based practice and empathetic and kind to their patients, but it's really the only way to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. I imagine that showing that you have worked in challenging health care situations is one way to show that you're developing this skill on your resume.
What soft skills should all Operating Room Assistants possess?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Problem-solving is such an important skill. We need health care providers who think for themselves and attempt to answer their own questions, AND - that know how to balance that with asking for help when they need it.
Comora Sarah
Assistant Clinical ProfessorMerrimack College
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Operating Room Assistant resumes?
Comora Sarah: Experience in the industry, Dementia training, BLS certification
What general advice would you give to an Operating Room Assistant?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: I think the best advice for new graduates is to be flexible. Things are going to change daily. It is essential to be able to go with the flow. Also, take time for yourself. As the numbers of covid patients increase, staff members are at high risk of developing burnout. It is essential to take time for yourself to relax and get away from everything, even if for only a few minutes. That way, you can prevent becoming burned out.