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Cleaning Surgical Instruments information

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$654

$1.7K

$2.6K

How much do cleaning surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average weekly pay for cleaning surgical instruments in Tennessee is $1,708.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,275.00 and $2,094.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does cleaning surgical instruments involve?

Individuals in this role are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment according to strict health and safety guidelines. You may also be tasked with maintaining sterility logs, managing inventory, and preparing instrument trays for upcoming procedures. Collaboration with surgical teams and other medical staff is common to ensure that all equipment meets required standards and is promptly available. The job often involves standing for long periods, working in a highly controlled environment, and adhering closely to hospital protocols. This role is crucial in supporting patient care by ensuring the instruments used in surgeries are safe and ready for use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for cleaning surgical instruments?

To excel in Cleaning Surgical Instruments, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, attention to detail, and a high standard of cleanliness, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, and adherence to infection control protocols are typically required, and certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is often preferred. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team are valued soft skills. These attributes are essential to ensure patient safety, prevent infection, and maintain seamless surgical operations in healthcare settings.

What is the job called when you clean surgical instruments?

The job of cleaning surgical instruments is typically called a surgical instrument technician or sterile processing technician. These professionals are responsible for disinfecting, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical tools using specialized equipment and following strict safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of sterilization procedures are often required for this role.

What is cleaning surgical instruments?

A Cleaning Surgical Instruments job involves the decontamination, sterilization, and maintenance of medical tools used in surgeries and procedures. Workers in this role clean, disinfect, and inspect instruments to ensure they meet strict hygiene and safety standards. They operate sterilization equipment, follow infection control protocols, and help prevent contamination in medical settings. This job is essential for patient safety and is often performed in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities.

How do you become a cleaning surgical instruments specialist?

To become a surgical instrument cleaner, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and training in sterilization procedures. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of infection control, proper handling, and cleaning tools like ultrasonic cleaners or sterilizers is essential.
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What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings:
Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,837 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Certified Surgical Tech

North Knoxville Medical Center

Powell, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description Job Summary
The Surgical Technician – Certified works collaboratively with the surgical team to facilitate safe, effective, and high-quality patient care in the operating room. This role prepares and maintains the sterile field, anticipates surgical team needs, and ensures proper handling of surgical instruments and supplies. The Surgical Technician – Certified also supports OR efficiency through equipment readiness, inventory management, and adherence to infection prevention protocols.
Essential Functions
  • Prepares the operating room by ensuring surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies are properly set up and available based on the procedure and physician preference card.
  • Maintains a sterile field throughout the surgical procedure, applying principles of Universal Precautions, asepsis, and sterile technique.
  • Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies accurately and efficiently during surgical procedures.
  • Handles surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer instructions and hospital policy, including inspection, point-of-use cleaning, and sterilization.
  • Performs and documents sponge, needle, and instrument counts in collaboration with the circulating nurse to support patient safety.
  • Assists with patient positioning, draping, and transfer under the direction of the RN to ensure patient safety and procedural readiness.
  • Supports ongoing maintenance and accuracy of physician preference cards and procedural documentation.
  • Restocks supplies, cleans and returns equipment to designated storage areas, and prepares rooms for subsequent cases to ensure OR efficiency.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
  • Technical School graduate of Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing program required or
  • Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences required
  • 0-2 years of operating room surgical technician experience required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Expertise in surgical techniques, instrumentation, and sterile processing.
  • Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly during procedures.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills to maintain efficient workflow.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards, including safety and infection control protocols.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with the perioperative team.
  • Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.
Licenses and Certifications
  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required
  • BLS - Basic Life Support required

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