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Instrument Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do instrument processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument processing technician in the United States is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument processing technician?

Instrument Processing Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and medical procedures. They ensure that all tools are free from contaminants and properly assembled, maintaining strict infection control standards. Their role is critical in preventing the spread of infections and supporting the smooth operation of hospitals and surgical centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument processing technician?

To thrive as an Instrument Processing Technician, you need thorough knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical instrument handling, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, chemical disinfectants, and tracking systems is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring workflow efficiency and patient safety. These competencies are vital to prevent infections, maintain sterile environments, and support smooth clinical operations.

What are some typical challenges instrument processing technicians face in maintaining instrument sterility, and how can they be addressed?

Instrument Processing Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of instruments, ensuring thorough cleaning of complex devices, and keeping up with evolving sterilization protocols. Overcoming these challenges requires strong attention to detail, adherence to strict procedures, and ongoing education on new equipment and guidelines. Teamwork and clear communication with surgical staff are also essential to prevent errors and maintain a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Instrument Processing Technician vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectInstrument Processing TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredPost-secondary education; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, sterilization departmentsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusCleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

While both roles work in healthcare settings and handle surgical instruments, the Instrument Processing Technician primarily focuses on sterilization and preparation of instruments, whereas the Surgical Technologist actively assists during surgeries. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the medical field.

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What job categories do people searching Instrument Processing Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Processing Technician jobs are:

Infographic showing various Instrument Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,665 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Instrument Processing Technician, 40hrs, Days

Umass Memorial Health

Leominster, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


UMass Memorial Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Are you an internal caregiver, student, or contingent worker/agency worker at UMass Memorial Health? CLICK HERE to apply through your Workday account.

Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Hiring Range:

$16.54 - $29.76

Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule Details:

Monday through Friday, On Call - Required

Scheduled Hours:

M/F 9a-5:30p weekend call 10a-6p

Shift:

1 - Day Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)

Hours:

40

Cost Center:

24050 - 2550 Central Sterile Supplies

This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.

Everyone Is a Caregiver

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

This position is responsible for assembling, packaging, sterilizing, cleaning, maintaining, decontaminating and distributing routine surgical instruments, supplies and patient care equipment. The Instrument Technician monitors sterilizers and associated equipment. Performs all duties in accordance with AMMI guidelines and HealthAlliance procedures.

I. Major Responsibilities:
1. Ensures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.
2. Inspects autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to Manager.
3. Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of the day shift or as required, and records results in the appropriate log.
4. Prepares, assembles and packages items for sterilization according to AMMI and Central Sterile guidelines.
5. Processes all items appropriately using manufacturer recommendations.
6. Accurately checks, posts and counts and identifies numerous pieces of surgical instruments/ equipment.
7. Assists with clerical work related to the department as needed.
8. Works closely with the Central Service Supervisor or Manager.
9. Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments.
10. Performs general cleaning of department surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets and all storage areas. Stores all supplies and equipment.
11. Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers and all general equipment using biological and chemical control tests as required by the department.
12. Restocks patient care unit supply carts if necessary.
13. Responsible for stocking all supply carts on the nursing units.
14. Takes call as required on weekends and holidays.
15. Participates in departmental performance improvement and training activities.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:
Required:
1. High School diploma or equivalent
2. Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license

Preferred:
1. Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)

Experience/Skills:
Required:
1. Basic knowledge of sterilization standards and procedures and Central Service-related medical terminology.
2. Ability to adequately use or learn to use the department's computerized system and its associated devices.

Preferred:
1. Prior experience in a sterile processing department

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

9a-5:30p

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.


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