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How much do sterile processing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing assistant in Iowa is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $31.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile processing assistant?

A Sterile Processing Assistant is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment used in healthcare settings. They ensure all tools are properly disinfected, stored, and distributed to various departments to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. Their duties also include monitoring sterilization processes, maintaining inventory, and following strict infection control protocols. This role is essential in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities to support healthcare professionals in providing safe patient care.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a sterile processing assistant?

As a Sterile Processing Assistant, your daily responsibilities include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment, assembling instrument trays, and maintaining proper documentation of sterilization processes. You will also be responsible for inspecting instruments for damage and ensuring they are stored correctly before being distributed to various hospital or clinical departments. The role often involves working closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff to anticipate instrument needs and provide support in a timely manner. This position requires strict adherence to infection control protocols and attention to detail to ensure patient safety. You may work shifts including evenings or weekends, as hospitals and clinics require these services around the clock.

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

Sterile Processing Assistants require attention to detail, basic knowledge of infection control procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers may prefer completion of a sterile processing certification program. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and compliance with standards like those from AAMI or IAHCSMM is often needed. Strong time management, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively help individuals excel in fast-paced hospital or clinic settings. These qualifications are vital to ensure the safe preparation and distribution of medical instruments, protecting both staff and patients from potential infections.

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

The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Sterile Processing Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Sterile Processing Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sterile Processing Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Sterile Processing Assistant job openings:

Sterile Processing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,713 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician

Ames, IA

Mary Greeley Medical Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

751st of 1,064 rated hospitals

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Mary Greeley Medical Centerexternal

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

  • Position Summary
    • Under general supervision accepts duties as assigned to provide quality prepared instrumentation and supplies to the surgical patients. Provides effective communication amongst all members of the surgical team.  Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care. Performs related work as required.
  • Position Responsibilities

    • Unit Specific Position Responsibilities
      • Inspects instruments for cleanliness, proper function and damage before assembly.
      • Prepares complete instrument sets, replaces missing or damaged instruments. Apply missing instrument label if replacement is not available.
      • Packages and labels equipment in appropriate sized peel pack.
      • Placement and/or protects delicate or sharp instruments appropriately.
      • Utilizes CensiTrac scanning tracking system in Decontamination, Assembly and Sterilizing areas. Correctly labels all items to be processed/sterilized with proper identification and location.
      • Issues sterile equipment and supplies to patient care units as requested.
      • Prepares and assembles surgical trays and equipment following established tray list for issue, storage or further processing (such as sterilization).
      • Prepares and maintains accurate records on all items sterilized.
      • Monitors, reads, documents and interprets all parameters for all sterilizers to assess proper function (Steam, VPro, NX Sterrad).
        • Internal, external and biological monitor systems are utilized
        • Placement of trays, wrapped items and peel pack will follow manufacturer’s instructions.
      • Prioritizes in order to meet deadlines for processing instrument sets.
      • Picks inventory for each OR case (scheduled and add on)
      • Cleans work areas.
      • Communicates with co-workers and health team members.
      • Restocks supplies, notify coordinator if stock is low or depleted. Checks for expiration dates and rotates in assigned areas.
      • Maintains knowledge of infection control policy/procedures.
      • Responsible for on-call duties as scheduled. 
      • Performs other assigned duties.
  • Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
    • Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):
    • Organizational Requirements:
      • Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.
    •  
      Preferred Qualifications:
      • Completed Sterile Processing course or is certfied in Sterile Processing.
      • Highschool diploma or GED
    •  
      Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
      • Ability to understand and communicate oral and written English.
      • Ability to pursue and foster a sense of team and partnership across all disciplines.
      • Ability to assist nursing personnel and ancillary departments.
      • Ability to function promptly and appropriately under stressful conditions
      • Become Certified within 3 years of hire
      • Proficient knowledge of sterilization processes.
    •  
      Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
      • Skill in the use of specialized equipment and or techniques.

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