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Hospital Sterile Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Hospital Sterile Processing information

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$27

$43

How much do hospital sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital sterile processing in Virginia is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Hospital Sterile Processing Technicians and how can they be managed?

Hospital Sterile Processing Technicians often face challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail to ensure patient safety, keeping up with constantly updated protocols, and managing high workloads during peak hospital hours. To manage these challenges, it’s important to stay current with training, communicate effectively with surgical and nursing teams, and develop strong organizational skills. Many hospitals also provide ongoing education and support to help technicians adapt to new equipment and evolving sterilization standards.

Will sterile processing be replaced by AI?

Hospital sterile processing involves cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments, which requires manual skills and attention to detail. While AI and automation can assist with inventory management and tracking, the core tasks still rely on human oversight and expertise to ensure safety and compliance. Therefore, sterile processing is unlikely to be fully replaced by AI in the near future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hospital Sterile Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Sterile Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of infection control, instrument sterilization procedures, and attention to detail, typically backed by a high school diploma and often a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking software, and decontamination equipment is essential for daily operations. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that surgical instruments are safe and ready for use, directly impacting patient safety and healthcare quality.

How to become a sterile processor in a hospital?

To become a sterile processor in a hospital, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or certification in sterile processing. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and use of processing equipment is essential.

Do hospitals hire sterile processing technicians?

Yes, hospitals regularly hire sterile processing technicians to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment. These roles typically require knowledge of sterilization procedures, use of specialized tools, and adherence to infection control standards. Employment opportunities are often available through hospital job postings and may require certification or training in sterile processing.

Where do sterile processing techs make the most money?

Sterile processing technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and in larger healthcare facilities or hospitals. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and specialized skills such as instrument reprocessing or sterilization techniques. Generally, urban areas and hospitals with advanced technology offer the highest compensation for this role.

What are hospital sterile processing technicians?

Hospital sterile processing technicians, also known as central sterile processing technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment within hospitals and healthcare facilities. They ensure that all surgical tools and devices are properly decontaminated to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. Their work is crucial in supporting surgical teams and other medical staff by providing sterile supplies and maintaining strict infection control standards.

What is the difference between Hospital Sterile Processing vs Central Supply Technician?

AspectHospital Sterile ProcessingCentral Supply Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing Certification (CBSPD or ISSA)CPR, Central Supply Certification
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, operating roomsSupply rooms, patient care areas
Job ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instrumentsManaging medical supplies, stocking, and distribution

Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, with sterile processing focusing on surgical instrument sterilization and central supply technicians managing medical supplies. While their certifications and environments overlap, sterile processing emphasizes instrument sterilization, whereas central supply technicians handle supply logistics.

Infographic showing various Hospital Sterile Processing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,696 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Hospital Sterile Processing Equipment Field Technician

STERIS - Commercial Operations

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Hospital Sterile Processing Equipment Field Technician Why this role matters

Every safe surgery depends on equipment that performs flawlessly. In this remote, field-based role, you’ll be the expert customers trust inside hospital settings to keep critical reprocessing systems online.

What you’ll do
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain STERIS and competitor devices used in surgical workflows.
  • Support installations for complex mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic systems.
  • Plan your day independently to complete PMs, service and warranty calls, equipment installs, and field upgrades.
  • Use digital platforms to document work and satisfy regulatory compliance.
  • Escalate effectively with Tech Support, Engineering, and Service Contract Management.
  • Inform customers on findings, pricing, and options; team with Sales to enhance experience and uncover opportunities.
  • Cover multiple sites across your territory based on agreements and customer needs.
The equipment you’ll master

Our mainline OEM portfolio—washers, sterilizers, ultrasonics, steam generators, and cart washers—comprises about 160 models and represents the heritage products STERIS was built on.

What you bring
  • High School Diploma or GED plus 4+ years of experience (2+ in a mechanical/technical capacity). An associate degree, relevant certifications, competitive equipment training, or related military experience may count toward the technical requirement.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to pass and maintain all background and physical assessments required for vendor and hospital credentialing.
  • Experience engaging with customers and teams; strong written and verbal communication.
  • Proficiency with Windows/email, basic navigation, mobile apps, and accurate data entry in multiple systems.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including early/late shifts and occasional overnights.
Who succeeds here

Technicians from HVAC, industrial maintenance, refrigeration, boilers/chillers, equipment repair, diesel/automotive, aviation, plumbing, or electrical trades often excel.

Pay and benefits

$65,000.00 – $75,000.00 base salary range; bonus eligible. Minimum rates meet or exceed any higher county/city minimums. Final pay is based on local labor market conditions, relevant experience, education, certifications, language fluency, and other factors.

  • Base salary + Incentive Compensation Program
  • Company vehicle, cell phone, and laptop provided
  • Hands-on training
  • PTO + 9 corporate holidays/year
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Additional add-on benefits/discounts
  • Assessment and promotional opportunity after 18 months

Explore the full benefits portfolio: STERIS Benefits

About STERIS

We are a global leader in infection prevention technologies and services for healthcare, life sciences, and dental markets. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD. STERIS is a $5 billion, NYSE: STE company with ~17,000 associates serving customers in 100+ countries.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We are committed to equal employment opportunity and the use of affirmative action programs 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.