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Associate Sterile Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travel Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) Location: 3200 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508 Department: Surgical Services Employment Type: Travel / Contract Shift: 5x8 Hours , 12x36 = 40 hrs week ...

The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for performing delegated activities to support the operating room team in the care of the surgical patient. Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager ...

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Associate Sterile Processing Technician information

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$43

How much do associate sterile processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate sterile processing technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate sterile processing technician?

Associate Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and medical procedures. They ensure that all tools and devices are free from contaminants and safe for patient use. Working closely with surgical teams, they follow strict protocols to prevent infections and maintain a sterile environment. This role is essential for patient safety and the smooth operation of hospitals and clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate sterile processing technician?

To thrive as an Associate Sterile Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of infection control, sterilization processes, and handling surgical instruments, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, and inventory tracking systems is commonly required, and certification such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is often preferred. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are critical soft skills for maintaining high safety and quality standards. These competencies are crucial to ensure patient safety, prevent infections, and support efficient surgical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by associate sterile processing technicians, and how can they be successfully managed?

Associate Sterile Processing Technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols under time constraints, handling a high volume of surgical instruments, and keeping up with frequent updates in infection control standards. Successfully managing these challenges involves strong attention to detail, effective time management, and continuous education on new sterilization technologies and industry regulations. Collaborating closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff also helps ensure patient safety and efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Associate Sterile Processing Technician vs Central Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectAssociate Sterile Processing TechnicianCentral Sterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCPR, Sterile Processing Certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsCleaning, sterilizing, and managing surgical tools

Both roles involve sterilizing and handling surgical instruments in healthcare settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with slight variations in job titles across employers. The main difference lies in job titles rather than responsibilities or certifications, making them similar roles within sterile processing departments.

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What are popular job titles related to Associate Sterile Processing Technician jobs?

For Associate Sterile Processing Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Sterile Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Kaleida Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Kaleida Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sterile Processing Technician
Department: BGMC Sterile Processing
Location: Buffalo General Medical Center
Location of Job: US:NY:Buffalo
Work Type: Full-Time
Scheduled Work Hours: 11a-7p, 12p-8p, 1p-9p, 2p-10p, 3p-11p, 4p-12a, 5p-1a
Shift 2
Job Description
The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for maintaining high standards for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all Ancillary Departments. This includes working in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays and case carts where applicable. The Sterile Processing Technician maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing above average customer service.

Education And Credentials
High School Diploma or GED required. Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician program or Surgical Tech/OR program or have 1 year experience as a Sterile Processing Technician required. Upon hire/transfer - 10 hrs of Continuing Education Credits Annually required. . Effective 1/1/15, must obtain and maintain within 18 months of hire/transfer one of the following: (1) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Credential (CRCST), (2) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Credential (CSPDT) or (3) Certified Surgical Technologist credential. Employees hired/transferred prior to 1/1/2011 are grandfathered for the certification requirement as well as those hired/transferred into the position between 1/1/2011 and 1/1/2015 who have a cumulative period of one year as a Sterile Processing Technician. Otherwise, certification must be obtained by 6/30/16. (Regulatory Requirement). All Sterile Processing Technicians are mandated by the State to annually complete ten hours of continuing education credits to remain qualified to function as a Sterile Processing Technician. Active employees as of 12/31/14 have until 12/31/15 to obtain the continuing education credits. Employees hired/transferred 1/1/15 and after must obtain the continuing education credits by the end of their first year of employment.
Experience
1 year of experience in Sterile Processing or Surgical Tech experience preferred

Working Conditions
Essential:
* Weight Requirement - Heavy (up to 100 lbs)
Job Details
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 75.00
FTE: 1.000000
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: Yes
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U08 - SEIU 1199 BGH Service Workers
Requisition ID#: 21062
Grade: S5A
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $20.94 -$27.65
*Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Kaleida Health's mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission- critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and Kaleida Health envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. Kaleida Health is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!

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