As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Room Assistant in the United States is $54,812 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an Operating Room Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operating Room Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Room Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Operating Room Assistant | $54,039 |
| Intermediate Level Operating Room Assistant | $55,631 |
| Senior Level Operating Room Assistant | $59,360 |
| Specialist Level Operating Room Assistant | $59,759 |
| Expert Level Operating Room Assistant | $60,026 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Operating Room Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.81% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.75% |
| Accounting | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$64,679 |
18%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$63,034 |
15%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$61,390 |
12%
|
|
Organizing
|
$60,842 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$60,294 |
10%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$59,746 |
9%
|
For Operating Room Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Operating Room Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Operating Room Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $63,034 | $30.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operating Room Assistants enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Operating Room Assistant with a No Diploma is between $51,900 and $55,225).
Operating Room Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 47.1% |
| Associates | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how an Operating Room Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Operating Room Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $58,188 in 2023 to around $50,227 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operating Room Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $58,188 |
| 2024 | $53,075 |
| 2025 | $50,227 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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