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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Arizona

Sterile Processing Dept-Hosp Work Shift: Evening Job Category: Clinical Support Take a virtual tour ... cart support, OR core tech support and high-level disinfection. 2. Responsible for the ...

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As the CORE Institute continues to grow, we are looking for an SPD Tech at our Specialty Hospital ... Three years of Sterile Processing Technician preferred. REQUIREMENTS : Certification in Basic Life ...

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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech information

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$12

$25

$40

How much do entry level sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing tech in Arizona is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $30.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level sterile processing tech?

Entry Level Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures. They ensure that all tools are free from contaminants to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. These technicians typically work in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics, often as part of a larger sterile processing or central supply team. Their duties also include inventory management and following strict protocols for sterilization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sterile processing tech?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech, you need a basic understanding of sterilization processes, infection control, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of a sterile processing technician program. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, and tracking systems like instrument management software is typically required, and certification such as CRCST is often preferred. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for ensuring patient safety and smooth workflow in healthcare environments. These skills and qualifications are important because they help maintain sterile conditions, prevent infections, and support the overall efficiency of surgical and medical procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level sterile processing techs, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level sterile processing techs often face the challenge of adapting to strict protocols and working efficiently under time pressure. New techs must quickly learn to identify and handle a wide variety of medical instruments, ensuring each is cleaned and sterilized correctly. Attention to detail is crucial to prevent contamination and maintain patient safety. Building strong communication skills and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can help overcome these challenges and foster confidence in daily responsibilities.

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

AspectEntry Level Sterile Processing TechCentral Service Technician
CertificationsTypically requires certification such as CBSPD or IAHCSMMOften requires similar certifications, may vary by employer
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instrumentsProcessing, sterilizing, and managing surgical tools and equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare settings for sterile processingOften used interchangeably with sterile processing roles in healthcare

Both roles involve sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, requiring similar certifications and working in healthcare environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on employer terminology. Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech and Central Service Technician roles are essential for maintaining sterile environments in medical facilities.

Can I get an entry level sterile processing tech job with no experience?

Entry level sterile processing technician positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training. Basic skills in cleanliness, attention to detail, and understanding of sterilization procedures are helpful, and obtaining certification such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) can improve job prospects.

How to get hired as an entry level sterile processing tech?

To get hired as an entry-level sterile processing technician, candidates should complete a high school diploma or equivalent and obtain relevant certifications such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Experience with sterilization equipment and knowledge of infection control procedures are also valuable, and many employers provide on-the-job training for new hires.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,291 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting for Medical Supply Technicians assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The Medical Supply Technician will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.
Work schedules will be from Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 6:30pm or Monday - Friday, 3:00pm - 11:30pm.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.)
  • Experience and/or Education.
    1. Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
    2. Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or 1
    3. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None.
  • Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    1. Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
    2. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    3. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Grade Determinations:GS-05 (Developmental Level)
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04); or
  • Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
    2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
    3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-06 (Full Performance Level)
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
    2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
    3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
    4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
    5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Preferred Experience: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06.
Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday with frequent bending and lifting of sterile packages and containers averaging 25 lbs. before and after sterilization or high-level disinfection. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulation, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. Physical demands include bending, twisting, stooping, extending arms, lifting of heavy objects such as instrument trays to and from shelf heights ranging from 8 inches above floor level up 18 inches below ceiling height. Use of a safety step stool or safety step ladder is required to reach work area and equipment surfaces higher than what the employee can reach unaided (i.e., standing on the floor). Pushing and pulling of loaded sterilizer carts, transport carts, and surgical case carts is required. The incumbent must be able to tolerate standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing impervious personal protective equipment (PPE), and higher ambient temperatures in the presence of heat-generating equipment. The incumbent must be able to tolerate ambient noise from reprocessing equipment and activities, and odors from contaminated RME and reprocessing agents. On a regular basis the employee alternates between the clean, controlled environment of the preparation, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and sterile storage areas and the contaminated environment of the decontamination area. The incumbent must comply with attire and PPE requirements to protect RME undergoing preparation, high-level disinfection, or sterilization from contaminants, and to protect oneself from biohazards such as blood, body fluids, and tissues. The incumbent must also comply with PPE requirements or other controls designed for protection against hot surfaces and chemical agents used during cleaning, decontamination, high-level disinfection, and sterilization.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER