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Central Service Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Registered Central Service Tech required or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech required within 6 months of hire. Why Join Us? * Work with a highly skilled, compassionate ...

Certified Registered Central Service Tech required or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech required within 6 months of hire. Why Join Us? * Work with a highly skilled, compassionate ...

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Central Service Tech information

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How much do central service tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for central service tech in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a central service tech?

To thrive as a Central Service Tech, you need a solid understanding of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical instrumentation, generally acquired through a high school diploma and completion of a Central Service Technician certification program (such as CRCST). Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilizers, tracking software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are vital to guarantee the safe reprocessing of medical equipment and maintain a sterile environment in healthcare facilities.

How much does a central service technician make?

The average salary for a central service technician in California is approximately $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. Skilled technicians with HVAC, plumbing, or electrical knowledge may earn higher wages, especially with specialized tools and certifications.

What is the difference between Central Service Tech vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectCentral Service TechSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsTypically requires CBSPD or IAHCSMM certificationOften requires CBSPD or IAHCSMM certification
Work EnvironmentHospital central sterile supply departments, surgical centersHospital sterile processing units, surgical instrument reprocessing
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job FocusManaging sterilization supplies, inventory, and equipmentCleaning, sterilizing, and inspecting surgical instruments

Both roles involve sterilization and require similar certifications, working in hospital or healthcare settings. The Central Service Tech often manages supplies and inventory, while the Sterile Processing Technician focuses more on cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments. They are closely related roles with overlapping duties but differ slightly in scope and daily tasks.

What are the biggest challenges central service techs face during instrument sterilization, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges Central Service Techs encounter is ensuring that surgical instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, especially when dealing with complex or delicate equipment. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact patient safety. To address these challenges, techs should follow strict protocols, stay updated on the latest sterilization techniques, and communicate closely with surgical teams to clarify any uncertainties about instrument handling. Ongoing training and certification also help techs stay proficient and confident in their daily responsibilities.

What is a central service tech?

Central Service Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment. They play a critical role in preventing infections and ensuring that surgical tools and devices are safe for use in patient care. Central Service Techs work primarily in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities to support the smooth operation of medical procedures. Their attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization protocols help maintain high standards of patient safety.
More about Central Service Tech jobs
What states have the most Central Service Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Central Service Tech jobs include:
Infographic showing various Central Service Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,345 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Central Service Tech I - College of Dentistry

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

$39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Sterilization Services at UI's College of Dentistry is looking for individuals to join our team as a Central Service Tech I.  Are you looking for a first shift Monday - Friday schedule?  This entry level position rotates through two distinct clinical areas Instrument Processing (Decontamination, Sterile Storage, and Prep & Pack) and Dental Clinic Dispensaries.   For a full job description, please send an e-mail to COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu.

Duties Include:

Instrument Processing:

  • Perform technical duties and operational responsibility for all aspects of dental instrument management and materials supply system.
  • Receive, process, and distribute requested instruments and products to and from departmental, specialty, and satellite clinics. 
  • Handle large volumes of complex dental instrumentation, power equipment and different instrument patterns.
  • Sort and inspect instruments/devices prior to cleaning, and disassemble and reassemble as needed.  Wash instruments manually or by loading and unloading a sonic or washer/decontaminator. 
  • Operate steam autoclaves utilizing appropriate health safety techniques/procedures.  Performs all aspects of sterilization, packaging inspections, equipment operation, safety procedures, proper documentation, and determining prioritization. 
  • Load/unload sterilizers. Sterilize items per manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU), verify correct parameters used for all instruments.  Perform Bowie Dick, biological/chemical testing of autoclave operations.
  • Monitor loads for sterility, unload sterile items and inspect for damage, and moisture.  Sort items according to department.
  • Monitor recording charts & chemical integrators to confirm sterilization parameters have been met. Maintain, monitor, and record dates, load numbers, autoclave identities, and test results. Record/track charges for lost/damaged items.
  • Perform cleaning of sterilizers, sonic and washers, and monitor efficacy of sterilizers.  Insure drains, gaskets and washers screens are checked and maintained. 
  • Dispose of trash, linen and teeth, and disinfect work area according to department health/safety protocol and OSHA standards. 

Dispensaries:

  • Prepare instrument cassettes/surgery trays/burs according to set up guides.  Inspect instruments for defects/perform routine maint. where required.  Identify types of sterilization required for specific types of instruments. Package/wrap/label/lubricate items for appropriate sterilization/load carts.  Perform duties in a high stress environment, respond to emergencies/urgent add-ons, and responding to immediate needs of practitioners.
  • Prepare, distribute, and track procedure trays according to practitioners needs. 
  • Deliver sterilized equipment/instruments.
  • Provide technical knowledge to dental students/staff regarding appropriate instruments/equipment needed for specific situations/procedures.
  • Orient/reinforce policies and procedures regarding infection control,  distribution, and return of dental instruments and supplies.
  • Restock supplies and maintain appropriate inventory (including specialty items) in dispensaries, instrument processing, labs and operatories.

100% Central Services Tech I - GC16 (Merit)

College of Dentistry - Dental Support Services

Location:  Dental Science Building (Iowa City, IA)

Salary:  $39,191.76 (Paygrade: 07)

Hours of Work:                

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

May require occasional overtime.

Must be able to move 50lb cassettes/trays.

Must be able to move 100lb cart.

Must be able to retrieve items from low-level drawers and cabinets.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at workstation for long periods of time (>75%).

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  1. High school graduation or equivalent, with courses in the physical and natural sciences and mathematics; or
  2. One year experience in a hospital-related field that would provide a background in medical environment or sterile technique as it applies to medical supplies and equipment.

HIGHLY Desirable Qualifications:

  1. Dental Experience.
  2. Experience in hospital or dental sterilization department.
  3. Demonstrated excellent customer service experience.
  4. Good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

  1. Certification from the Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or the International Association of Health Care Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a Resume (and mark as "Relevant File") to their submission; three names of professional reference may be requested at a later time.

Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.  For questions or additional information, please contact COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

About Iowa: 

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. 

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. 

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. 

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution. 


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