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Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Centstone HC

Sterile Processing Technician

Tahlequah, OK · On-site

$1.3K - $1.4K/wk

Sterile Processing Technician Location: Cherokee Nation Region Pay Rate: $1,300 To $1,400 / Week Contract: Contract Schedule: Day Shift, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM Experience: 3 years preferred About the Role ...

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level sterile processing technician?

Entry Level Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment. They ensure that all surgical tools and devices used in hospitals and clinics are free from contaminants and safe for patient care. This role is essential for preventing infections and supporting the smooth operation of medical procedures. Entry-level technicians usually work under the supervision of experienced staff and may require certification depending on the employer or state regulations.

What does an entry level sterile processing technician do?

As an entry-level sterile processing technician (SPT), your responsibilities entail the decontamination and sterilization of medical equipment to prevent patient infection. You work at hospitals and clinics, typically in a surgical environment. Your duties include medical tool assembly, checking that medical equipment works properly, and ensuring sterilization before and after procedures. You assist health professionals by providing the necessary tools, opening packaging, and completing proper setup and cleanup of the area. You collect used tools, inspect them for issues, clean items in an autoclave, and distribute for next use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sterile processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician, you need a basic understanding of infection control, sterilization procedures, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma and completion of a sterile processing technician certificate program. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help technicians ensure that surgical instruments are properly processed and ready for use. These skills are essential to maintain patient safety, prevent infections, and support the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

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

Entry level sterile processing technicians often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, maintaining strict attention to detail, and keeping up with evolving sterilization protocols. Managing these challenges involves thorough on-the-job training, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and staying updated on industry standards and best practices. Developing strong organizational skills and consistently following checklists can also help ensure instruments are properly sterilized and prevent costly errors. Open communication with surgical teams and supervisors is key for addressing questions and improving workflow.

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

AspectEntry Level Sterile Processing TechnicianCentral 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 assembling surgical instrumentsProcessing, sterilizing, and managing surgical tools and equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used interchangeably in healthcare settingsSimilar roles with slight variations in terminology

Both roles involve sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments in healthcare environments. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician' and 'Central Service Technician' often refer to similar positions with overlapping responsibilities and certification requirements. Employers may use either title, but the core duties and work settings are comparable.

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

Entry level sterile processing technicians often find it accessible to get hired, especially if they have a high school diploma and are willing to complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Employers typically seek candidates with attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to follow strict sterilization procedures, but prior experience is not usually required for entry-level roles.
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Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician

Kaleida Health

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Kaleida Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sterile Processing Technician
Department: BGMC Sterile Processing
Location: Buffalo General Medical Center
Location of Job: US:NY:Buffalo
Work Type: Full-Time
Scheduled Work Hours: 11a-7p, 12p-8p, 1p-9p, 2p-10p, 3p-11p, 4p-12a, 5p-1a
Shift 2
Job Description
The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for maintaining high standards for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all Ancillary Departments. This includes working in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays and case carts where applicable. The Sterile Processing Technician maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing above average customer service.
Education And Credentials
High School Diploma or GED required. Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician program or Surgical Tech/OR program or have 1 year experience as a Sterile Processing Technician required. Upon hire/transfer - 10 hrs of Continuing Education Credits Annually required. . Effective 1/1/15, must obtain and maintain within 18 months of hire/transfer one of the following: (1) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Credential (CRCST), (2) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Credential (CSPDT) or (3) Certified Surgical Technologist credential. Employees hired/transferred prior to 1/1/2011 are grandfathered for the certification requirement as well as those hired/transferred into the position between 1/1/2011 and 1/1/2015 who have a cumulative period of one year as a Sterile Processing Technician. Otherwise, certification must be obtained by 6/30/16. (Regulatory Requirement). All Sterile Processing Technicians are mandated by the State to annually complete ten hours of continuing education credits to remain qualified to function as a Sterile Processing Technician. Active employees as of 12/31/14 have until 12/31/15 to obtain the continuing education credits. Employees hired/transferred 1/1/15 and after must obtain the continuing education credits by the end of their first year of employment.
Experience
1 year of experience in Sterile Processing or Surgical Tech experience preferred
Working Conditions
Essential:
* Weight Requirement - Heavy (up to 100 lbs)
Job Details
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 75.00
FTE: 1.000000
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: Yes
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U08 - SEIU 1199 BGH Service Workers
Requisition ID#: 22098
Grade: S5A
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $20.94 -$27.65
*Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Kaleida Health's mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission- critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and Kaleida Health envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. Kaleida Health is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!

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