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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Columbia, SC

Summary The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under ... Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. Certifications: Must have one of the following ...

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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$25

$40

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing tech in Columbia, SC is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $30.67 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.

How much does an entry level sterile processing technician make with no experience?

An entry-level sterile processing technician with no experience typically earns between $30,000 and $40,000 annually. Starting salaries can vary based on location, healthcare facility, and certifications such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM, with some positions offering additional benefits or shift differentials.

Is it hard to get hired as an entry level sterile processing tech?

Entry level sterile processing technicians typically find it accessible to get hired, especially if they have a high school diploma and basic knowledge of sterilization procedures. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and certifications such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail and familiarity with sterilization tools are valuable for securing a position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,905 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech II

MUSC

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


MUSC Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under general supervision of the department manager, shift supervisor or designee, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of instruments in compliance with medical center policies and procedures, state, local and federal requirements.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC003776 COL - Central Sterile Processing (NMC)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-23

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Entity/Organization:  MUHA (Medical University Hospital Authority/Medical Center) 

FLSA Status: Hourly 

Hours Per Week: 40 

Job Description/Summary:  

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under general supervision of the department manager, shift supervisor or designee, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of instruments in compliance with medical center policies and procedures, state, local and federal requirements. 

Minimum Training and Education: Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination. Possess ability to understand and implement a variety of detailed instructions in the execution of processes. Applicant must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Basic computer skills required. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure health care environment required. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Detail-oriented required. Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. 

Certifications: Must have one of the following certification from IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management). CRCST - HSPA ( Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution).   

Physical Requirements:  Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous) Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent) Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) 

  

Additional Job Description

Minimum Training and Education: Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination. Possess ability to understand and implement a variety of detailed instructions in the execution of processes. Applicant must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Basic computer skills required. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure health care environment required. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Detail-oriented required. Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. 

Certifications: Must have one of the following certification from IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management). CRCST - HSPA ( Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution).   

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees


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About MUSC Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MUSC is located in Charleston, SC, frequently named one of the best places in America to live. If charming, historic, vibrant, cultural, and coastal are adjectives that you find appealing, it's all here. In Charleston, you might find yourself dining at a world class restaurant tonight and relaxing on a boat as you explore our many waterways tomorrow. You might stroll along cobblestone streets, amidst centuries old homes by day and attend a jazz concert by night. Charleston is a place where you can live your life to its fullest.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charleston, SC, US

Year founded

1824