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Sterile Processing Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Sterile Processing Apprentice information

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$13

$27

$43

How much do sterile processing apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing apprentice in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of infection control, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, instrument tracking systems, and pursuing certification like the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often beneficial. Strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to communicate effectively with surgical and nursing teams set candidates apart. These skills ensure that surgical instruments are properly sterilized and available, directly impacting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Sterile Processing Apprentice?

As a Sterile Processing Apprentice, you'll be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment under supervision. You'll learn to operate specialized sterilization equipment, follow strict infection control protocols, and maintain accurate inventory records. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and provides valuable exposure to healthcare procedures, laying the foundation for advancement into certified sterile processing technician roles and beyond.

What are Sterile Processing Apprentices?

Sterile Processing Apprentices are entry-level healthcare workers who are training to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They work under the supervision of experienced sterile processing technicians and learn how to follow strict protocols to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing hands-on experience in instrument decontamination, assembly, and sterilization processes. This role is a critical part of the healthcare team and can lead to certification and advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Apprentice vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectSterile Processing ApprenticeSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsMay require entry-level certifications or on-the-job trainingOften requires certification such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in hospitals or surgical centersFull-time role in sterile processing departments
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sterilization and processing under supervisionPerforming sterilization, inspection, and distribution of surgical instruments

The main difference is that a Sterile Processing Apprentice is typically in a training or entry-level phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Sterile Processing Technician is a fully qualified professional responsible for sterilizing and managing surgical instruments independently.

More about Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Sterile Processing Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs are:
What states have the most Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Apprentice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Sterile Processing Apprentice

Sterile Processing Apprentice

Hackensack Meridian Health

Neptune, NJ • On-site

$19.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
The Sterile Processing Apprentice is responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting, processing, and sterilization of surgical instrumentation, patient care equipment and reusable medical/surgical items. This position also assembles Case Carts for the Operating Room (OR).
Responsibilities
1. Receives, sorts, disinfects, processes, assembles or sterilizes both patient care equipment and surgical instruments according to established departmental policies and guidelines following instructions for use.
2. Understands all detergents and disinfectants used to process items. Implements both Universal Precautions and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.).
3. Operates and loads sterilizers (Steam and Hydrogen Peroxide) and assures biological tests and Bowie Dick tests are correctly performed, incubated, read and recorded.
4. Ensures sterilization records are completed correctly by recording all items processed, making sure the correct label/load gun is used, reading and interpreting chemical integrator per load, observing and initialing all computerized print outs for accuracy. 5. Adheres to correct use of computerized instrument count sheets, and utilizes tracking system throughout reprocessing.
6. Prepares case carts for delivery to room by using doctor's preference information to assemble required instruments, and special equipment.
7. Communicates with OR team members and provides customer service to all units requiring Sterile Processing services.
8. Lifts a minimum of 30 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 50 lbs. and stands length of shift.
9. Ability to work with bioburden and grossly contaminated items on a regular basis.
10. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. 11. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
1. High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
2. Participation in a Sterile Processing Course, or 1 year experience in instrument processing preferred.
3. All applicants will be required to participate in Hackensack Meridian Health's Sterile Processing Technician Apprentice training program.
4. May work weekends.
5. May be required to work three (3) out of six (6) holidays.
6. Work rotating schedule/shifts based on needs, and days off if working a scheduled weekend.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
1. Not Applicable.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
1. Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution within 9 months of entering position.
Licenses and Certifications Preferred:
1. Not Applicable.
Starting Minimum Rate
Flat Rate of $19.04 Hourly
Job Posting Disclosure
HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.
The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:
Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.
Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.
In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

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