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Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Sterile Processing information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$25

$40

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level sterile processing in Arizona is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $30.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you do sterile processing with no experience?

Entry level sterile processing positions typically do not require prior experience, as training is provided on the job. Candidates usually need attention to detail, the ability to follow strict protocols, and may obtain certification such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) to enhance employability.

How much do beginner sterile processing techs make?

Entry-level sterile processing technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on location and healthcare facility. Starting salaries may increase with certifications, experience, and familiarity with sterilization tools and procedures.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry level sterile processing technicians typically do not earn $10,000 a month; their salaries usually range from $35,000 to $50,000 annually. High earnings in this field generally require experience, certifications, or advanced roles, and reaching $10,000 monthly is uncommon without significant specialization or additional qualifications.

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 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.

How to get started in sterile processing?

To start a career in sterile processing, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a sterile processing technician training program, which covers instrument cleaning, sterilization techniques, and safety protocols. Certification through organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) can improve job prospects and demonstrate competence. Entry-level roles often require familiarity with sterilization equipment, proper handling of surgical instruments, and adherence to infection control standards.

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 are entry level sterile processing technicians?

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 Arizona? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Arizona are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in Arizona 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 Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,291 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$52K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting for Medical Supply Technicians assigned to Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The Medical Supply Technician will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.
Work Schedules will be from Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 6:30pm or Monday - Friday, 3:00pm - 11:30pm.
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:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.)
  • Experience and/or Education.
    1. Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
    2. 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 1
    3. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None.
  • Grandfathering Provision. All MSTs that are employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    1. Employees grandfathered into the GS-622 occupational series as MSTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.
    2. MSTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    3. MSTs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U. S. programs.
Grade Determinations:GS-05 (Developmental Level)
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04); or
  • Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
    2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
    3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-06 (Full Performance Level)
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
    2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
    3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
    4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
    5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.

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).
Preferred Experience: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06.
Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking during the entire workday with frequent bending and lifting of sterile packages and containers averaging 25 lbs. before and after sterilization or high-level disinfection. The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulation, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. Physical demands include bending, twisting, stooping, extending arms, lifting of heavy objects such as instrument trays to and from shelf heights ranging from 8 inches above floor level up 18 inches below ceiling height. Use of a safety step stool or safety step ladder is required to reach work area and equipment surfaces higher than what the employee can reach unaided (i.e., standing on the floor). Pushing and pulling of loaded sterilizer carts, transport carts, and surgical case carts is required. The incumbent must be able to tolerate standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing impervious personal protective equipment (PPE), and higher ambient temperatures in the presence of heat-generating equipment. The incumbent must be able to tolerate ambient noise from reprocessing equipment and activities, and odors from contaminated RME and reprocessing agents. On a regular basis the employee alternates between the clean, controlled environment of the preparation, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and sterile storage areas and the contaminated environment of the decontamination area. The incumbent must comply with attire and PPE requirements to protect RME undergoing preparation, high-level disinfection, or sterilization from contaminants, and to protect oneself from biohazards such as blood, body fluids, and tissues. The incumbent must also comply with PPE requirements or other controls designed for protection against hot surfaces and chemical agents used during cleaning, decontamination, high-level disinfection, and sterilization.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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