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Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician Jobs in Riverside, IL

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Sterile Processing Technician

Glenview, IL · On-site

$21 - $33/hr

Shift Type: 2 days per week / 10 hours per shift The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for sterilization and maintenance of instrumentation and equipment in an efficient, safe and sanitary ...

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All JobsSterile Processing Technician JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing Technician JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing Technician Jobs in Riverside, IL

Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$13

$27

$43

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing technician in Riverside, IL is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $33.37 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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What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician jobs?

Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician job openings:

Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician job openings in Riverside, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,496 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician I

Chicago, IL • On-site

Steris Corporation

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 896 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Steris Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

How You Will Make a Difference
Does an opportunity to work in healthcare excite you? If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make an impact on the health and safety of those around you, we'd love to discuss you joining our team as a Sterile Processing Technician. No prior experience in Sterile Processing? Everyone must start somewhere! We make sure you are trained in all facets of Sterile Processing to set you up for success and career advancement.
Our Sterile Processing Technicians take pride in their work because they know it plays an important role in patient safety. Safe procedures start with clean instruments. Our Sterile Processing Technicians work behind the scenes of healthcare facilities in a fast-paced environment, impacting patient safety without being patient facing. When healthcare facilities need the help of product experts, they call us because they know our Technicians are continuously trained on industry best practices.
What You Will Do
  • Reprocess surgical trays post-surgery; ensuring they are decontaminated, cleaned, inspected, sterilized, correctly assembled within a timely manner and ready for the next case
  • Operate sterile processing washers, sterilizers, ultrasonic and drying cabinets
  • Participate in regular on-site training

What You Need to Be Successful
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 0 - 1 years of transferable or previous Sterile Processing experience preferred
  • CRCST or CBSPD certification (must obtain certification within 12 months of hire and maintain annually)

What We're Offering You in Return
STERIS is a global organization offering full time opportunities to join our growing team. We offer benefits including Medical/Vision/Dental, Paid Time Off, and a 401(k) with company match.
Our motto in the Sterile Processing Department is simple: 100% complete, 100% sterile, 100% on time. As a Sterile Processing Technician, you play a crucial role in making sure we live up to that standard. If you're looking for the chance to impact dozens of people a day, and you want to further your career with a company that offers several opportunities for career development, click the apply button below. Let's create a healthier and safer world, together.
Pay range for this opportunity is $42,287.50 - $54,725.00. This position is eligible for bonus participation.
Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.
STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio. Click here for a complete list of benefits: STERIS Benefits
Open until position is filled.
STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life sciences products and services around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.
If you need assistance completing the application process, please call 1 (440) 392.7047. This contact information is for accommodation inquiries only and cannot be used to check application status.
STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to ensure that persons are recruited, hired, trained, transferred and promoted in all job groups regardless of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also we are strongly bound by the principle of equal employment opportunity.
The full affirmative action program, absent the data metrics required by § 60-741.44(k), shall be available to all employees and applicants for employment for inspection upon request. The program may be obtained at your location's HR Office during normal business hours.

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