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How much do instrument processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 are Instrument Processing Technicians?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instrument Processing Technician, and why are they important?

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.
More about Instrument Processing Technician jobs
What job categories do people searching Instrument Processing Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Processing Technician jobs are:
Instrument Processing Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. 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, SPD, Full-time, Third Shift

Instrument Processing Technician, SPD, Full-time, Third Shift

UC Health

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

UC Health (Cincinnati) rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

487th of 869 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Description
At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.
As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors.
UC Health is EEO employer.
The Instrument Processing Technician provides cleaning, decontamination, assembly processing and sterilization of instruments, trays and endoscopes. Also assembles case carts with needed surgical supplies.
Responsibilities
Performs decontamination functions:
  • Disassembles, cleans and disinfects instruments and equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes. Operates equipment used in decontamination process, i.e. sonic washer, cart washers, washer sterilizers, and decontaminators. Unloads case carts containing soiled instruments and places in designated area. Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned. Used universal precautions when working in decontamination area, i.e. gloves, face shield, protective gown Utilizes computer system to track instruments and case cart.

Assembles instrument trays and packs:
  • Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes to appropriate workstations. Assembles instrument trays and packs utilizing written instructions and proper protocol. Applies sterilization wrappers properly to maintain integrity of the contents. Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed. Each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging of each item. Transports trays to sterilization area. Consistent use of the barcode technology to track productivity. Use of computerized instrument tracking system to validate tray production against online list/error proofing systems to ensure accuracy of assembly.

Operates sterilizers, documents loads, and returns stock to appropriate area:
  • Loads trays, packs, and basins onto sterilizer loading rack, utilizing correct procedures. Able to operate each type of sterilizer (e.g. Steam, Plasma, Steris) per manufacture's instructions and departmental guidelines and polices. Accurately documents all sterilization information. Biological monitoring is completed per departmental policy. Sterile supplies are handled properly and restocked in sterile storage area. Rotates sterile supplies and inventories for expiration dates as required. Maintain assigned work area and equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain required safety standards for handling sterilized and clean materials and to maintain a safe work environment.

Assembles case carts per departmental procedures:
  • Produce pick sheets from computer. Able to pull instruments and sterile supplies per pick sheet accurately and completely.

Other duties as assigned:
  • Active participant in QA activities. Assists with training of other associates. Attends departmental in-services and mandatory meetings. Acts as a liaison between Sterile Processing and all customers and communicates in a courteous manner. Makes effective use of time and is able to distinguish between low and high priority activities. Delivers equipment and supplies to various departments as needed. Able to fulfill on-call requirements.

Qualifications
Minimum Required: High School diploma or GED required; Associate's degree preferred. | Upon 1 year of hire, obtain certification: CRST. Maintain a current registration as a CRST. | 1 year minimum SPD experience; prefer 3 years SPD experience.

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About UC Health

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We believe in something different: a focus on the individuality of every person. In big ways and small, we exist to improve the extraordinary lives of all those we serve. As Colorado's largest and most innovative health care system, we as a team deliver on the commitment to provide the best possible experience for our patients and their families. We foster a true human connection and give people the freedom to live extraordinary lives. A career at UCHealth is more than a job, it's a passion.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

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