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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Washington

UHS

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN (CERTIFIED)

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.59 - $29.15/hr

Minimum two years of sterile processing experience as a certified SPD Tech. * CRCST or equivalent certification (CSPDT). Additional certifications preferred. * Strong communication, organization, and ...

MedStar Health

SPD Technl

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.70 - $32.72/hr

CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Tech within 1 Year required or * CSPM - Certified in Sterile Processing Management Knowledge Skills and Abilities * Able to communicate ...

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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech information

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing tech in Washington is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $37.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings:
Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% 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 $64,769 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician - Day Shift

Decypher

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$35.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join Decypher and make a direct impact on the health and readiness of America's service members, veterans, and their families. Since 2008 Decypher has offered healthcare industry professionals careers where their expertise is valued, and their work makes a meaningful impact. Decypher partners with the Defense Health Agency to deliver professional services, technology, and management solutions. Our mission is to provide and support quality care for our veterans, servicemembers and their families, across the United States.
Job Summary: Sterile Processing Technician receives, inspects, decontaminates, and sterilizes reusable medical devices and surgical instruments using appropriate cleaning methods and sterilization processes, ensuring proper assembly, labeling, packaging, and storage in compliance with instructions for use. Monitors sterilization effectiveness, verifies instrument functionality, prepares specialty trays and case carts, and uses sound judgment to fulfill routine, special, and emergency supply requests across clinical areas.
Required Qualifications:
  • Education: Completion of a central sterile supply training course.
  • Certifications:
    • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
    • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
  • Experience: At least two continuous years' experience within the last four years as Sterile Processing Technician. Shall be able to read, write, speak and understand English well enough to effectively communicate with all staff members.

U.S. Citizenship is required
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform basic principles of microbiology as they apply to medical supply operations, related to the resistance of microorganisms to external destructive agents such as heat, chemicals, and ionizing radiation.
  • Provide knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques including characteristics of various detergents, cleaning techniques, sterilizing mediums, sterilizer operation and tests that determine effectiveness of sterilization. A thorough knowledge of packaging, storage and shelf-life characteristics.
  • Execute knowledge of the use, operation, assembly and disassembly of surgical instruments, medical devices, and specific cleaning, sterilizing and storage requirements of each.
  • Provide a basic understanding of medical and surgical terminology.
  • Apply judgement as required when selecting cleaning methods and sterilization mediums, placement of instruments in trays, and substitution of items for missing supplies. Judgement is required to resolve minor problems with equipment. Prudent and experienced judgement is required in emergency situations whether to use less desirable or more costly processing to make available urgently needed supplies.
  • Employee will receive, disassemble, and inspect for damage to reusable medical devices and surgical instrumentation.
  • Employee will determine the correct method of decontamination and sterilization; removal of blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other gross contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic and washer disinfecting equipment.
  • Employees will become familiar with the operation of cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Examine all items after decontamination/ pre-sterilization procedure to ensure that gross contaminants have been removed and that instruments function properly.
  • Employees will properly label and identify medical devices and surgical instruments for the Main Operating Room (MOR), Labor and Delivery (L&D), ward, and clinics.
  • Employees will assemble and prepare the full range of specialty trays and instrument sets for the MOR, clinics, wards, and L&D for proper sterilization utilizing inventory sheets.
  • Employee will select the correct wrapping or packaging material for medical devices and surgical instruments.
  • Employee will select the correct sterilization process according to the IFU (Instructions For Use) for the medical devices, either Hydrogen Peroxide (STERRAD and V-Pro), Ethylene Oxide (EO) or Steam sterilization processes.
  • Correctly label and seal wrapped items with appropriately with proper sterilization tape.
  • Employee will monitor the operation of the sterilizers using graphs, computer panels, Bowie Dick, and spore challenge tests (biological).
  • Employee will ensure the technique of gravity displacement, and cycles for specialty items.
  • Employees will receive sterilized trays/loaners, instrument sets, and medical equipment from the sterilizer, checks for integrity of sterilization, i.e. (color changes on the indicator tapes, external indicators, dampness of packages); stocks and properly stores sterile items in the appropriate clinic areas or the sterile storage room.
  • Employee will assemble and properly completes case cart requisition forms from the Main Operating Room. Fills special or emergency requests.

Work Environment & Schedule: 6:45am to 7:15pm (8 or 10 hour shifts).
Compensation & Benefits: Up to $35.50 per hour + H&W
Decypher is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce (M/F/D/V)

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