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Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Sterile Processing information

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$12

$24

$39

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing in Alabama is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, attention to detail, and basic understanding of infection control procedures. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required, along with certification such as the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These qualities ensure that all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly sterilized, supporting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level sterile processing technicians, and how can I prepare for them?

As an entry-level sterile processing technician, you may encounter challenges such as keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, learning the intricacies of various medical instruments, and maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols. It's important to have strong attention to detail, as even small errors can impact patient safety. To prepare, familiarize yourself with infection control standards, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and stay organized to efficiently handle instrument trays and documentation. Working collaboratively with surgical teams and communicating proactively will also help you succeed in this essential healthcare role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sterile Processing vs Entry Level Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Sterile ProcessingEntry Level Surgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing Certification (e.g., CBSPD, IAHCSMM)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job DutiesCleaning, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

Entry Level Sterile Processing and Entry Level Surgical Technologist roles share certifications like CPR but differ in daily tasks and work environments. Sterile Processing focuses on instrument sterilization, while Surgical Technologists assist directly in surgeries. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, but they serve different functions within the surgical team.

What is an entry level sterile processing technician?

Entry level sterile processing technicians are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They ensure that all tools are free from contaminants to prevent infection and maintain patient safety. These technicians typically work behind the scenes in sterile processing departments and follow strict protocols to handle instruments properly. Entry level positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is often provided, though certification can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama? For Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings:
Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,833 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Process Coordinator)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Montgomery, AL

$55K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Sterile Processing Coordinator serves as a subject matter expert within the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and providing technical guidance for the decontamination, sterilization, preparation, and distribution of surgical instruments, medical devices, and supplies. The coordinator ensures compliance with VA policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements to support patient care and safety.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Experience and/or Education:
  • Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
  • Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or
  • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Must be able to Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Practical knowledge of conventional fact-finding or investigative techniques in order to evaluate internal work processes.
  2. Skill to develop, analyze and evaluate facts relative to unsatisfactory conditions or trends.
  3. Knowledge of and skill in applying various methods and techniques for investigating, analyzing and recommending corrective action on complex quality problems.
  4. Knowledge of the SPS policies and procedural manuals, infection control procedures, and accrediting agencies and quality assurance guidelines to assure appropriateness of work during quality assurance reviews.
  5. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs.
  6. Thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques, which include sterilized operations, sterilizer mediums, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life.
  7. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to ensure staff compliance with written directives, rules and regulations.

Preferred Experience: Must have Sterile Processing experience; Incumbent must be knowledgeable of sterile processing areas, instrumentation, reprocessing equipment, and the instrument tracking system.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandard
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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