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Cleaning Surgical Instruments Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sterilization Technician

Fairfax, VA

$16.25 - $21/hr

Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with established protocols and safety standards. * Operate and maintain ...

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Cleaning Surgical Instruments information

See Virginia salary details

$714

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do cleaning surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for cleaning surgical instruments in Virginia is $1,866.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,392.31 and $2,288.46 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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Infographic showing various Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings in Virginia 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 $97,040 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Title: Sterilization Technician 
Practice: Northern Virginia Oral Surgery 
Location: Fairfax, VA
Hours:

 Monday | 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday | 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday | 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday | 8am - 4:30pm
Friday | 8am - 4pm
Saturday | Closed
Sunday | Closed

Position Purpose:
The purpose of this position is to support the oral surgery team by ensuring all surgical instruments, equipment, and work areas are properly prepared, sterilized, and maintained to the highest safety and quality standards. This role plays a critical part in maintaining an efficient surgical environment by performing decontamination and sterilization processes, organizing and assembling surgical trays, and upholding OSHA guidelines for personal and workplace safety. The position contributes to exceptional patient care by supporting clinical staff, anticipating surgical needs, and fostering a clean, compliant, and collaborative environment.

Essential Functions

Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization

  • Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment in accordance with established protocols and safety standards.
  • Operate and maintain sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, and other reprocessing equipment following manufacturer guidelines.
  • Monitor sterilization cycles and maintain accurate logs and documentation for compliance and traceability.
  • Inspect instruments for proper function and report damage, missing, or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.

Surgical Tray & Room Preparation

  • Assemble, organize, and prepare surgical trays and materials to ensure timely availability for procedures.
  • Assist with the setup and breakdown of surgical rooms, ensuring all necessary instruments and supplies are prepared and readily available.

Infection Control & Safety Compliance

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with OSHA, infection control, and practice standards.
  • Adhere to all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and follow strict safety procedures to minimize contamination or exposure risks.

Clinical Support & Communication

  • Support the surgical and clinical team during procedures as needed, within the scope of the role.
  • Communicate effectively with clinical staff to ensure proper instrument flow and anticipate surgical needs.

Inventory Management

  • Maintain inventory of surgical instruments, supplies, and sterilization materials.
  • Notify leadership when stock levels are low or when replacements are needed.

Training & Professional Development

  • Participate in ongoing training and maintain current knowledge of sterilization techniques, equipment usage, and infection control standards.

Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalency, required.

Experience:

  • Previous experience in a dental, oral surgery, medical, or sterile processing environment preferred
  • Experience with sterilization processes, including cleaning, decontamination, packaging, and autoclave operation, strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with OSHA, infection control, and universal precaution protocols in a clinical setting.
  • Experience working with surgical instruments, including identification, inspection, and proper assembly of instrument trays.
  • Hands-on experience using sterilization and cleaning equipment, such as autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam sterilizers.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced clinical or surgical environment, demonstrating the ability to prioritize and multitask.
  • Customer service or patient-facing experience in a healthcare setting is helpful but not required.

Performance Requirements:

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Professional appearance and attitude
  • Ability to take directions from others and follow through in a concise manner
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Must work well in a close team environment
  • Maintain knowledge of equipment, expected patient outcome, and anticipated complications

Benefits:

  • We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans to our full-time employees.
  • Two out of the three medical plans offered include Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
  • Company-paid Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage.
  • Additional Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance for you and your family!
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance available to you as well
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered.
  • Immediately begin saving for retirement through our 401(k) starting with very first paycheck!
  • Employer 401(k) contribution and Profit Sharing after six months of employment
  • PTO and 8 Paid holidays for fulltime employees!

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. OSP's management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.