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Central Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Technician

Mankato, MN · On-site

$22.73 - $32.26/hr

Qualifications Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification as a Central Processing Technician (CRCST) within 18 months of hire. Must be 18 years of age prior to start date. Prefer ...

Sterile Processing Technician

Mankato, MN · On-site

$22.73 - $32.26/hr

Qualifications Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification as a Central Processing Technician (CRCST) within 18 months of hire. Must be 18 years of age prior to start date. Prefer ...

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Central Processing Technician information

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How much do central processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for central processing technician in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a central processing technician?

Central Processing Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and surgical centers. Their work ensures that all tools used in patient care are free from contaminants and properly prepared for procedures. They play a crucial role in infection control and patient safety by following strict protocols and operating specialized sterilization equipment. Central Processing Technicians typically work behind the scenes and collaborate closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a central processing technician?

To thrive as a Central Processing Technician, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and equipment decontamination, usually backed by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong organizational skills help you excel in this role. These abilities ensure the safety of patients and staff by maintaining a sterile healthcare environment and preventing infections.

What are some common challenges faced by central processing technicians, and how can they be managed effectively?

Central Processing Technicians often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and strict adherence to sterilization protocols are critical. A common challenge is managing high volumes of surgical instruments while ensuring all items are properly cleaned, sterilized, and tracked. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with surgical and nursing staff help mitigate errors and maintain workflow efficiency. Regular training and staying updated on the latest sterilization techniques also support high standards of patient safety and compliance.

What is the difference between Central Processing Technician vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectCentral Processing TechnicianMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospital central processing or sterile processing departmentsMedical laboratories in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs
Employer & IndustryHospitals, healthcare facilities, sterile processing companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare providers

The main difference is that Central Processing Technicians focus on sterilizing and preparing medical equipment, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform diagnostic tests on patient samples. Both roles are essential in healthcare but serve different functions within the medical field.

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Infographic showing various Central Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Central Processing Technician Extern - Central/Sterile Processing - PRN (Evergreen)

Florence, SC • On-site

McLeod Health
Hospitals • 5 - 10K employees

Part-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


McLeod Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Responsibilities:
  1. The duties of the Central Processing Technician require knowledge of cleaning/decontamination, preparation, sterilization, storage and use of items from surgical services and other departments within the hospital.
  2. Transports instruments, supplies, and equipment to the decontamination area for processing according to established policies and procedures.
  3. Demonstrates knowledge of the decontamination process, operation of the sonic cleaner, and operation of the washer / disinfector and cart washer.
  4. Inspects, prepares, wraps, and assembles basket/container for instruments accordingly.
  5. Demonstrates knowledge of the Sterrad and Steam Sterilizers. This includes: loading, operating, unloading, cleaning, and the parameters for each.
  6. Unloads cooling rack and stores instruments.
  7. Performs surgical case picking and issuing sterile goods.
  8. Distributes supplies and instruments in a timely manner.
  9. Maintains clean work area.
  10. Notifies Supervisor of equipment failure, instrument issues, or other needs.
  11. Participates in offered education, in-services, and attends meetings as required.
  12. Adheres to Standard Precautions at all times.
  13. Regular, punctual and dependable attendance. Clocking in per policy expectations
  14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited Central Processing Technician program.
  • Certification must be obtained upon completion of program and 400 clinical hours.

Requirements:
Degrees:
High School/Ged
About Us
Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not for profit organization supported by the strength of more than 900 members on its medical staff and more than 2,900 licensed nurses. McLeod Health is also composed of approximately 15,000 team members and more than 90 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. With seven hospitals, McLeod Health operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services. The system currently has 988 licensed beds, including Hospice and Behavioral Health. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon and McLeod Behavioral Health.
About the Team
If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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About McLeod Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McLeod Health is the region's destination for medical excellence. Our excellence extends from the Midlands to the Coast along the border of North and South Carolina - serving more than one million people. As medical needs grow - we grow, expand, and improve our facilities and services. The McLeod Health network is comprised of 7 hospitals with locations in Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Manning, Cheraw, Loris, and Little River. We have also expanded into the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach for patients looking for primary care and family physicians. Founded over a century ago, McLeod is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system which features the strength of more than 800 physicians and 2,000 registered nurses, and more than 8,500 employees. McLeod constantly seeks to improve patient care with efforts that are physician led, data-driven and evidence-based.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Florence, SC, US

Year founded

1906