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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Room Assistant in North Carolina is $52,095 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 | $59,961 | $4,997 | $1,153 | $29 |
| Average | $52,095 | $4,341 | $1,002 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,530 | $3,711 | $856 | $21 |
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System - Boone, NC
Vidant Health - Greenville, NC
Aya Healthcare - Statesville, NC
Aya Healthcare - Winston Salem, NC
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 | $51,359 |
| Intermediate Level Operating Room Assistant | $52,873 |
| Senior Level Operating Room Assistant | $56,417 |
| Specialist Level Operating Room Assistant | $56,797 |
| Expert Level Operating Room Assistant | $57,050 |
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 | $59,909 | $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 | $59,961 | $4,997 | $1,153 | $29 |
| Average | $52,095 | $4,341 | $1,002 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,530 | $3,711 | $856 | $21 |
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.
Genie Healthcare
Asheville, NC
Genie Healthcare | Asheville, NC
Operating Room Rn Travel Assignment. Genie Healthcare is looking for an RN to work in Operating Room for a 13 weeks travel assignment located in Asheville,... more
10 Days Ago
Travel Nurse Across America
Rocky Mount, NC
Travel Nurse Across America | Rocky Mount, NC
We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Rocky Mount, NC. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experie... more
9 Days Ago
Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS)
Whiteville, NC
Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) | Whiteville, NC
Part-Time Staff RN in Operating Room. Provides professional nursing care pre-operatively and intra-operatively. Acts as circulating nurse and scrub nurse. ... more
7 Days Ago
Amaya Staffing Consultants LLC
Asheville, NC
Amaya Staffing Consultants LLC | Asheville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Title. Cardiovascular Operating Room Director. Compensation. $127,000 – $160,000/year (based on experience) + up to 17.5%... more
8 Days Ago
Frye Regional Medical Center
Hickory, NC
Frye Regional Medical Center | Hickory, NC
Registered Nurse (RN), Operating RoomFulltime:Days$20,000 Sign on bonus eligible Schedule:8 hour shifts 6:45am-3:15p/or 12-hour shifts 7a-7p30-minute call ... more
9 Days Ago
Voyage Health
Kinston, NC
Voyage Health | Kinston, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Position Details. Specialty. Operating Room. Location. Kinston, North Carolina. Employment Type. Travel/Contract. Pay. $2... more
9 Days Ago
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