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Sterile Processing Aide Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Home Health Aide

Dover, DE · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

... other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures or enemas. POSITION ... processes. Encourage the patient to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care ...

Sterile Processing Aide information

See Delaware salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do sterile processing aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing aide in Delaware is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile processing aide?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Aide, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control standards, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required, and certification such as CRCST is often preferred. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that surgical instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized, supporting patient safety and smooth clinical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by sterile processing aides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Sterile Processing Aides often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols while working under time constraints, managing large volumes of surgical instruments, and staying updated with evolving infection control standards. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with surgical and nursing staff, and participate in ongoing training. Many facilities also provide mentorship and support from senior team members to help new aides adapt quickly and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

What is a sterile processing aide?

Sterile processing aides are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and other medical procedures. They work in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers to ensure that all tools are safe and free from harmful microorganisms. Their duties include sorting used instruments, operating sterilization equipment, and maintaining inventory of sterile supplies. Sterile processing aides play a crucial role in preventing infections and supporting patient safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Sterile Processing Aide jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Sterile Processing Aide job openings:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Aide job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,235 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sterile Processing Department Aide

Nemours Children's Health

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Nemours Children's Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Aide is responsible for functioning within the guidelines set forth by industry standards and regulations to include, but not limited to, the

  • Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)

  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)

  • Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

  • The Joint Commission (TJC)

  • U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • Center for Disease Control (CDC)

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) 

The SPD Aide is responsible for adherence to preference cards in preparing surgical case carts and supporting the operating room central cores based on daily assignments. 

The position is expected to maintain all state and federal clearances for DE, PA, and NJ for periodic rotation to Pennsylvania and New Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Centers to optimize available resources in achieving positive patient outcomes at the discretion of Perioperative Leadership. Travel is compensated based on organizational policy.

This position requires working shifts aligned with the needs of the department and the assigned FTE of the SPD Aide.  This position includes on-call, holiday, and weekend requirements based on the needs of the department. 

Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for unloading case carts and tray containers for decontamination and loading them into the washer and/or sterilizer as prescribed by procedure. 

  2. Responsible for operating the index washers, cart washers, ultrasonic cleaners, as well as manually cleaning instruments and equipment as prescribed by established standards and procedures. 

  3. Responsible for disassembling, cleaning, assembling, and testing SPD equipment for proper function.

  4. Knowledgeable with regard to the function and utilization of chemicals with corresponding demonstration of donning/doffing personal protective equipment (PPE).

  5. Demonstrates efficient and accurate sorting of instrument containers in the Prep & Pack area.

  6. Demonstrates efficient and accurate placement of sterile containers/instrumentation in the Sterile Storage area. 

  7. Demonstrates efficient and accurate preparation/labeling of peel pack instrumentation for sterilization.

  8. Responsible for restocking workstations and PPE stations throughout SPD according to established par levels and procedures.

  9. Demonstrates ability to utilize surgical procedure cards to retrieve instrumentation and disposable sterile supplies in case cart preparation.

Qualifications: 

  • High School Diploma required
  • Preferred previous experience in a hospital setting and surgical services environment preferred 
  • American Heart Association BLS required within six months of start

    #LI-AE1

Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children's hospitals - Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida - along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and more than 40 hospital partnerships.
Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive.
Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.
Learn more at Nemours.org.

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About Nemours Children's Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nemours Children’s Health, situated in Rockland, Delaware, US, operates within the healthcare industry. The company is a prominent health system offering pediatric care in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. It was founded in 1936 by Alfred I duPont, philanthropist and industrialist, to improve the health of children. The core values of Nemours include quality, accountability, respect, and teamwork. Its mission is to provide leadership, institutions, and services to restore and foster a healthy tomorrow for children. The non-profit organization is unique in that its primary focus is on patient families, ensuring the highest standards of pediatric care. Notably, Nemours is consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the US and has its own renowned research center, the Nemours Biomedical Research.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rockland, DE, US

Year founded

1936