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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL

Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association preferred. * Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing ...

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

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Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

New

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$28

$45

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing tech in Chicago, IL is $28.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $34.18 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,910 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech

Ascension

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$19.58 - $26.09/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,038 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

417th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL

Facility: Ascension Alexian Brothers

Department:  Sterile Processing

Schedule: Night shift | Full-time | 10:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday - Friday, weekends and Holidays

Salary range : $19.58- $26.09 per hour

How you'll make an impact in this role
  • Clean soiled instruments, sterilization containers, and equipment according to established protocols.
  • Examine all surgical instruments, sets, and containers to ensure proper sterilization, cleanliness, functionality, and completeness.
  • Adjust instrument sets to meet current standards using established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
  • Ensure appropriate levels of equipment and supplies are available for case carts.
What minimum qualifications you'll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association preferred.
  • Central Service Tech specializing in Sterile Processing credentialed from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) preferred.

Education:

  • High School diploma equivalency OR 1 year of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
  • Note: Required professional licensure/certification can be used in lieu of education or experience, if applicable.
What additional requirements you'll need
  • Certified Sterile Processing Tech
Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)Various health insurance options & wellness plansRetirement benefits including employer match plansLong-term & short-term disabilityEmployee assistance programs (EAP)Parental leave & adoption assistanceTuition reimbursementWays to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Ascension logo

About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US