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Local Travel Sterile Processing Jobs in Tennessee

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Local Travel Sterile Processing information

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$12

$24

$39

How much do local travel sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for local travel sterile processing in Tennessee is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local travel sterile processing technician?

A Local Travel Sterile Processing Technician is a healthcare professional who works on temporary assignments within their local or nearby area, rather than relocating long distances. Their primary responsibility is to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures. These technicians ensure that all instruments are free from contaminants and organized for efficient use. Local travel positions allow hospitals or clinics to fill staffing shortages while providing technicians with flexible work opportunities close to home.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local travel sterile processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Travel Sterile Processing Technician, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical instrumentation, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, tracking systems, and adherence to hospital protocols is essential. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and effective teamwork across various healthcare settings. These competencies are crucial for maintaining patient safety, preventing infections, and supporting surgical teams efficiently.

What are the most common challenges faced by local travel sterile processing technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Local travel sterile processing technicians often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to new healthcare facilities’ protocols and equipment. Each assignment may have different sterilization procedures, documentation systems, and team dynamics, requiring flexibility and strong communication skills. To overcome these challenges, it’s helpful to review facility guidelines prior to starting, ask questions early, and build rapport with permanent staff. Staying organized and open to continuous learning can make transitions smoother and ensure high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Local Travel Sterile Processing vs Central Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectLocal Travel Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCPR, Sterile Processing Certification
Work EnvironmentTraveling to various healthcare facilitiesHospital or surgical center
Employer & IndustryTemporary staffing agencies, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, healthcare institutions

Both roles require similar certifications and involve sterilizing surgical instruments. The main difference is that Local Travel Sterile Processing professionals travel between facilities, while Central Sterile Processing Technicians work primarily within a single healthcare setting. This makes the travel role ideal for those seeking variety and flexibility in their work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Travel Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Travel Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Local Travel Sterile Processing jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Local Travel Sterile Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Travel Sterile Processing job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,903 per year, or $25 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician III

Steris Corporation

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$22 - $29.88/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Reprocess surgical trays by decontaminating, cleaning, inspecting, sterilizing, and assembling them for subsequent surgical procedures.

  • Operate mechanical machinery such as cart washers, instrument washers, sterilizers, ultrasonic, and drying cabinets within the sterile processing department.

  • Use the Track & Trace system to document all tasks and products processed within the department.


STERIS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Introduction / Summary
As a Sterile Processing Technician for STERIS, you'll work behind the scenes of healthcare facilities in a fast-paced environment, impacting patient safety without being patient facing. Working in the Sterile Processing Department, you will support surgical procedures by ensuring medical instruments are clean, sterile, organized, and available for the surgical team. You will use your skills and knowledge to perform scheduled and unscheduled tasks independently and in compliance with the Department of Health, TJC, DNV, OSHA, CDC, AAMI, and AORN standards. This is an on-site role supporting the 3rd shift (M-F 10:30p-7a) located in Chattanooga, TN.
What you'll do as a Sterile Processing Technician III:
  • Reprocess surgical trays post-surgery; ensuring they are decontaminated, cleaned, inspected, sterilized, correctly assembled within a timely manner and ready for the next case.
  • Operates all mechanical machinery within the department such as, but not limited to, cart washers, instrument washers, steam sterilizers, low temp sterilizers, ultrasonic and drying cabinets within sterile processing.
  • Uses the implemented Track & Trace system established within the sterile processing department for all tasks and products processed.
  • Able to perform assembly on advanced instrument and vendor trays aligned with IP quality and production standards.
  • Participate in regular on-site training

The Experience, Skills, and Abilities Needed:
Required:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 2+ years of SPD experience with demonstrated proficiency in all SPD Technician responsibilities, including a solid proficiency and ability to work independently with all tray sets.
  • CRCST/ CSPDT, CST or CER/CFER, CST certification is required. Must also obtain CIS/CSIS, CHL/CSPM or STERIS Assessment certification within 12 months of hire.
  • Must maintain certification by completing 12 Continuing Education Credit Hours annually

Preferred:
  • Completion of a Sterile Processing or Surgical Technologist program

Education Degree
High School Diploma or GED
Pay range for this opportunity is $22.00 - $29.88.
Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.
STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio. Click here for a complete list of benefits: STERIS Benefits
Open until position is filled.
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.

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