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Cleaning Surgical Instruments Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Scrubs and provides instruments, sutures and other sterile supplies during surgical procedures ... Maintains a clean safe and orderly work area and reports unsafe conditions. * Assists with the ...

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Cleaning Surgical Instruments information

See Tennessee salary details

$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.
What are popular job titles related to Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs in Tennessee? For Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings:
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 Technologist

Community Health Systems

Powell, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Community Health Systems rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary

The Surgical Technician collaborates with the surgeon and perioperative team to deliver high-quality patient care during surgical procedures. This role prepares and maintains sterile surgical fields, assists with procedures, and ensures instruments and supplies are used appropriately. The Surgical Technician adheres to infection prevention standards, regulatory requirements, and facility policies to support optimal patient outcomes.

Essential Functions

  • Prepares and maintains the operating room for surgical cases, ensuring all equipment, instruments, and supplies are properly organized and available by applying principles of Universal Precautions, asepsis, and sterile technique.

  • Assists the surgical team by anticipating the needs of the surgeon and passing instruments and supplies accurately and efficiently.

  • Handles surgical instruments according to their instructions for use and ensures proper sterilization, inspection, and assembly.

  • Performs point-of-use cleaning and carefully handles instruments in compliance with infection control and professional standards. Performs sponge, needle, and instrument counts with the circulating nurse to ensure patient safety.

  • Assists in patient positioning, draping, and transfer methods to ensure safety and comfort during procedures.

  • Maintains and updates physician preference cards, ensuring accurate supplies and instruments are available for procedures.

  • Cleans, reprocesses, and sterilizes surgical instruments and equipment following established protocols.

  • Contributes to perioperative team efficiency by restocking supplies, returning equipment to storage, and ensuring operating rooms are ready for subsequent cases.

  • 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

  • Knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and aseptic techniques.

  • Strong understanding of sterilization methods and infection prevention practices.

  • Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly and effectively.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with the perioperative team.

  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure procedural accuracy and efficiency.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment while maintaining professionalism.

Licenses and Certifications

  • BCLS - Basic Life Support required

  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to http://www.chs.net/serving-communities/locations/ to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.


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