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Entry Level Surgical Instruments Jobs in St Louis, MO

Entry Level Surgical Instruments information

See St Louis, MO salary details

$701

$1.8K

$2.8K

How much do entry level surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level surgical instruments in St. Louis, MO is $1,830.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,365.38 and $2,244.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level surgical instruments technician do?

As an entry-level professional handling surgical instruments, your primary responsibilities include cleaning, sterilizing, organizing, and maintaining surgical tools before and after procedures. You will work closely with surgical technologists, nurses, and surgeons to ensure all instruments are accounted for and properly prepared. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor errors can impact patient safety. This role often involves following strict protocols, handling delicate equipment, and managing inventory, all within a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level surgical instruments technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Surgical Instruments Technician, you need a basic understanding of medical terminology, instrument handling, and sterilization procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or a relevant certification like CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork help you excel in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly maintained and available, directly impacting patient safety and surgical efficiency.

What is the difference between Entry Level Surgical Instruments vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Surgical InstrumentsSurgical Technologist
Required CredentialsNone or basic certificationsPost-secondary education, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentUsed in surgical settings, primarily in hospitals or clinicsAssist in surgical procedures, work in operating rooms
Employer & Industry UsageSuppliers, hospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Surgical Instruments are tools used in surgeries, requiring minimal certifications. Surgical Technologists are trained professionals assisting in surgeries, often with formal education and certification. While both work in surgical environments, Surgical Technologists have a broader role involving patient care and procedure assistance, whereas Entry Level Surgical Instruments are primarily equipment.

What is an entry level surgical instruments technician?

Entry level surgical instruments are basic tools used in medical procedures by professionals who are new to the surgical field or in training. These instruments typically include items like scalpels, forceps, scissors, and clamps that are essential for performing standard surgical tasks. They are designed to be durable, easy to handle, and cost-effective for beginners or for use in teaching environments. Entry level surgical instruments may differ from advanced instruments, which are often specialized for complex procedures. Understanding and mastering the use of these basic tools is a crucial first step for anyone starting a career in surgery.
Infographic showing various Entry Level Surgical Instruments job openings in St. Louis, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,161 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing - Trainer)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$70K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Medical Supply Technician (SPS) - Trainer is a member of the Sterile Processing Services team at John Cochran. The incumbent must be well versed in all of the duties performed in SPS, as well as standard operating procedures and manufacturer's guidelines. The Trainer is a subject matter expert and must have experience with highly complex processes to provide education and training for staff within SPS.
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:
  • 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.
  • 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 have provisions listed in VA Handbook 5005.
  • 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.
  • Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  • English Language Proficiency: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, VA Handbook 5005.
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).
Grade Determinations:GS-07- Medical Supply Technician (Trainer) - Sterile Processing
Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level .(GS-06).Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RMD in the decontamination area; disassembling the RMD and determining the correct cleaning method, such as but not limited to ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers, cart washers and chemical cleaning/decontamination agents, as determined by manufacturer instructions; inspecting, assembling and determining the correct method and packaging for sterilization such as but not limited to steam, Sterrad, Steris, and high level disinfecting scope reprocessors; performing and documenting daily operational checks and records for all sterilization equipment.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations.
2. Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff.
3. Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures.
4. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures.
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-07.
Physical Requirements: The position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting. The employee usually stands and moves from one part of the department to another. There is a frequent requirement for lifting baskets of stainless steel instruments weighing in excess of 25 pounds from floor level to chest level. Dexterity and strength are required for lifting and positioning RMD. The employee regularly pushes loaded carts weights several hundred pounds and loads them into elevators and through entryways. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and be able to shift priorities based on needs.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