As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Room Assistant in Iowa is $52,449 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Operating Room Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Operating Room Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,362 | $5,030 | $1,161 | $29 |
| Average | $52,449 | $4,371 | $1,009 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,835 | $3,736 | $862 | $22 |
KA Recruiting Inc. - Eldon, IA
KA Recruiting Inc. - Agency, IA
Cornerstone Caregiving - Ottumwa, IA
Aya Healthcare - Cedar Rapids, IA
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 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 | $51,708 |
| Intermediate Level Operating Room Assistant | $53,232 |
| Senior Level Operating Room Assistant | $56,797 |
| Specialist Level Operating Room Assistant | $57,179 |
| Expert Level Operating Room Assistant | $57,434 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 | $60,316 | $29.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,362 | $5,030 | $1,161 | $29 |
| Average | $52,449 | $4,371 | $1,009 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,835 | $3,736 | $862 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Operating Room Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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