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Sterile Processing Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Sterile Processing Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$25

$41

How much do sterile processing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% 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 Tech - Senior

Rochester Regional Health

Muscatine, IA • On-site

$21.75 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 218 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

STATUS: Full time

Job Title:Senior Sterile Processing Tech
Department:Sterile Processing
Location:Unity Hospital - 1555 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY 14626
Hours Per Week:40
Schedule:Monday - Friday 3pm-11:30pm and 11pm-7:30am, On call and weekend rotations required

SUMMARY:

Acts in a mentoring capacity over Sterile Processing staff, utilizing leadership skills to assist manager in development and growth of junior staff. Provides hospital and affiliated facilities with processed material and equipment ensuring a quality product at an effective cost for patient care by executing established procedures for decontamination, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and distribution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Applies a mastery of skills in sterile processing environment.

  • Serves as a resource to others in the resolution of complex issues, or technical skills.

  • Provides guidance and general oversight to less experienced employees.

  • May train new employees

  • Responsible for duties below, which are identified at a higher level than junior staff and reflect substantial variety and complexity.

  • Responsible for processing and supplying sterile goods and equipment to all areas within the hospital, including decontamination, gleaning, packing, sterilizing, storing, and distribution.

  • Maintains appropriate supplies used in the process of sterilizing items for use in the hospital and any other institution or organization deemed appropriate by the administrative staff.

  • Reports any supply not readily available to appropriate parties for replenishment.

  • Distributes needed supplies and equipment throughout the hospital and affiliates as ordered.

  • Follows all department policies and procedures when distributing supplies and equipment.

  • Keeps assigned areas clean, organized, and fully stocked with necessary supplies.

  • Collects and cleans soiled equipment and machines, and maintains clean carts and shelves on floors, utilizing appropriate protective equipment and attire.

  • Complete required continuous training and education according to department standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 3 years' experience in sterile processing

  • Successfully passed a nationally accredited central service exam and holds and maintains one of the following credentials:

  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician credential.

-OR-

  • Hard to Fill Clause: A health care facility may employ or otherwise contract with a person who does not meet the requirements of the function of a Sterile Processing Technician, Sr. if they are unable to employ or contract a sufficient number of qualified Sterile Processing Technicians.

-OR-

  • Grand-fathering Clause: Must provide evidence of employment or contract services as a Central Service Technician in a health care facility for a cumulative period of one year, occurring between 1/1/2011 - 1/1/2015.

  • Central Service Technician certification required within 18 months of hire if does not meet grand-fathering requirements.

  • Sterile Processing certification required within 18 months after employment if Hard to Fill clause is utilized.


Required Licensure/Certification Skills:

  • Central Service Technician certification required within 18 months of hire if does not meet grand-fathering requirements.

  • Sterile Processing certification required within 18 months after employment if Hard to Fill clause is utilized.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or an equivalent combination of education and work experience

  • Experience in mentoring or precepting

  • Completion of associates' level coursework in clinical field

  • Strong organization, computer, and communication skills

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

H - Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires constant walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$21.75 - $26.00

CITY:

Rochester

POSTAL CODE:

14626

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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