Operating Room technician 

Duties and responsibilities: Certified surgical technologists function in non-sterile and sterile capacities by creating an optimal environment for surgical patients. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists, there are three types of operating room technicians or surgical technologists. 

Salary: The median annual Operating Room Technician salary is $45,287, as of February 22, 2017, with a range usually between $41,032-$49,103, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. 

Education: Operating room (OR) technicians, also called surgical technologists, assist surgeons, nurses and physicians before and during surgical procedures. They prepare the operating room, manage equipment and perform basic surgical tasks. 

Demand or Need for this profession: Assists surgical team during operative procedures by arranging and inventorying sterile set-up for operations and passing items to doctors and nurses as needed. Assists in preparing and moving patients and in cleaning the operating theater. Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Surgical Technologists, possess a current ORT certification, and have 2-4 years of experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.