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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Seattle, WA

Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech, within 6 - months or * Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech, within 6 - months or * Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor, within 6 - months ...

Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech, within 6 - months or * Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech, within 6 - months or * Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor, within 6 - months ...

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Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$31

$49

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing tech in Seattle, WA is $31.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.69 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech, and why are they important?

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 are Entry Level Sterile Processing Techs?

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.
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,079 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

$26.05 - $43.96/hr

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Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Sterile Processing Professional, you will be a critical guardian of patient safety, ensuring surgical teams receive correct, fully functional, and sterile instrumentation.
Every day, you will expertly perform decontamination, prep and pack, sterilization, and dispatch with efficiency, expertise, and accuracy, delivering instruments with resourcefulness, determination, courtesy, and professionalism. You will continuously expand your knowledge of standards and procedures for surgical instrumentation.
To be successful in this role, you will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a rigorous commitment to infection control, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes with a professional demeanor.

  • Collects and decontaminates and cleans reusable equipment and/or supplies and associated storage units in accordance with department, manufacturer, and OSHA standards. Collects, clean/decontaminates, checks, distributes, and tracks patient care equipment.
  • Inspects, disassembles sorts, cleans, and processes reusable instrumentation and equipment; selects and operates specialized cleaning equipment; follows manufacturer recommendations for cleaning guidelines and proper use of cleaning agents.
  • Identifies, inspects, and assembles, all general and specialty instruments, various power equipment, laser and endoscopes instruments per specifications and manufacturer recommendations. Assembles instruments, complex instrument sets, and other surgical items and kits by selecting the appropriate items, trays, instruments, and arrange them in the correct manner permitting effective sterilization using existing standard operating procedures and surgical case count sheets. Processes complicated procedural sets such as the ear tray, vascular tray, orthopedic specialty, cataract, and lap-cholecystectomy sets and other sets containing very specific and complex instrumentation.
  • Inspects instruments for proper functioning, scissors for sharpness, box locks for tightness, towel clamps and hemostats for proper functioning jaws, rough edges on ring handles, jaws, ratchets and shanks (burrs or nicks).
  • Ensures that all broken instruments are repaired and all dull instruments are sharpened properly in a timely fashion prior to submitting trays or instrument sets for sterilization. Produces an aesthetically organized, compact, logically arranged package, which is within the proper weight limits and is appropriate for assured sterilization. Inspects and selects the appropriate wrapping materials and sterilization packaging.
  • Sterilizes equipment in accordance with department, manufacturer, and OSHA standards using different agents, which may include steam, hydrogen peroxide, paracetic acid, ethylene oxide, and glutaraldehyde. Selects the correct sterilizing method (steam, gas plasma, peracedic acid) according to the materials being processed and written manufacturer instructions. Identifies items to be processed with a gaseous sterilant and adjust temperature and timing mechanisms in a manner that would allow circulation and permeation by sterilizing medium; selects and prepares packaging materials for the sterilization of reusable instrumentation.
Job Requirements

Required

  • one year of related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities, preferably in an operating room, acute care hospital or central services department preferred. and
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician, within 6 - months or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech, within 6 - months or
  • Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech, within 6 - months or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor, within 6 - months


Preferred

  • Graduation from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management Course, upon hire
Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Qualifications:

Required

  • one year of related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities, preferably in an operating room, acute care hospital or central services department preferred. and
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician, within 6 - months or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech, within 6 - months or
  • Cert Sterile Processing Dist Tech, within 6 - months or
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor, within 6 - months


Preferred

  • Graduation from the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management Course, upon hire
Employment Type: PRN