Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa

Operating Room Technician jobs in Iowa are in steady demand across the state's hospital systems, ambulatory surgical centers, and regional medical facilities, with openings at every experience level from entry-level technicians to senior surgical techs. The heaviest hiring activity is concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where large employers such as UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics maintain consistent OR staffing needs. The most sought-after specialties in Iowa include orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular procedures, and general and trauma surgery. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles48
Top employerThe University of Iowa
Top cityIowa City, IA
Cities hiring12
Work type100% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 4 of 48+ Operating Room Technician jobs

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RN Operating Room - PRN *EXPERIENCE REQUIRED*
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Added 1d ago
RN Operating Room - PRN *EXPERIENCE REQUIRED*
Advanced Surgery Center of Central Iowa
West Des Moines, Iowa
Healthcare Administration
Nursing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
PALS Certification

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MercyOne
OR RN-Operating Room Registered Nurse
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MercyOne
Added 2d ago
OR RN-Operating Room Registered Nurse
MercyOne
Davenport, Iowa
Healthcare Administration
Nursing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
BLS Certification

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White Glove Placement, Inc.
RN Operating Room
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White Glove Placement, Inc.
Added 2d ago
RN Operating Room
White Glove Placement, Inc.
Mason City, Iowa
Healthcare Administration
Nursing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
NRP Certification
1,001-5,000

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The University of Iowa
Staff Nurse - Main Operating Room, Cardiothoracic Team 1
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The University of Iowa
Added 2d ago
Staff Nurse - Main Operating Room, Cardiothoracic Team 1
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Program Management
Project Management
$61k/yr
Nursing Diploma
10,000+

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See All 48 Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa

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Operating Room Technician Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Iowa City
18 jobs
Des Moines
7 jobs
Davenport
5 jobs
West Des Moines
5 jobs
Waterloo
3 jobs
Cedar Rapids
3 jobs
Mason City
2 jobs
DeWitt
1 job
Dubuque
1 job

Operating Room Technician Job Market in Iowa

A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • The University of Iowa
    The University of Iowa18
  • MercyOne
    MercyOne9
  • UnityPoint Health
    UnityPoint Health6
  • FirstChoice
    FirstChoice3
  • American Traveler
    American Traveler3

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services11
  • Education9
  • Insurance1

What Iowa Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in operating room technician jobs across Iowa.

  • Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting preferred or required
  • Completion of an accredited surgical technology program recognized by Iowa employers
  • Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association
  • Minimum one to two years of hands-on OR scrub experience preferred by most Iowa facilities
  • Ability to scrub and circulate independently across multiple surgical specialties
  • Familiarity with sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and Iowa facility compliance standards

Operating Room Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a operating room technician in Iowa?

You become an operating room technician in Iowa by completing an accredited surgical technology program, typically offered at community colleges such as Kirkwood Community College or Iowa Central Community College. Iowa does not require a state-issued license, but most Iowa employers expect or require the Certified Surgical Technologist credential earned through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Completing an accredited program and passing the CST exam is the standard hiring path across Iowa health systems.

Which companies hire operating room technicians in Iowa?

Companies currently hiring operating room technicians in Iowa include The University of Iowa, MercyOne, and UnityPoint Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's largest health systems, including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, are among the most consistent employers of surgical technologists across the state.

Which Iowa cities have the most operating room technician jobs?

The Iowa cities with the most operating room technician openings are Iowa City, Des Moines, and Davenport. Des Moines drives the highest volume as the state's largest metro and home to major health systems, Iowa City contributes significantly due to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Cedar Rapids reflects demand from regional medical centers serving eastern Iowa communities.

Are there remote operating room technician jobs in Iowa?

Yes, but they are rare. Operating room technician work is inherently hands-on and requires physical presence in a sterile surgical environment, so fully remote roles do not exist for direct patient care. About 0% of operating room technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which typically reflects adjacent roles in surgical technology education, supply coordination, or instrument sales rather than clinical OR work.

How can I get hired as a operating room technician in Iowa with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited surgical technology program and applying directly to new-grad or externship opportunities at Iowa health systems such as UnityPoint Health or MercyOne, both of which hire recent graduates into supervised OR roles. Candidates who transition from adjacent positions such as sterile processing technician or certified nursing assistant have an easier time getting initial interviews. Earning your CST credential before applying significantly improves your chances, even without prior OR experience.

Where can I find and apply to operating room technician jobs in Iowa?

You can find and apply to operating room technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from hospitals, surgical centers, and regional health systems. Search the listings, find a role that fits your experience and location, and apply directly to the employer.

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