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Sterile Processing Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Sterile Processing Associate information

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$17

$31

How much do sterile processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing associate in Illinois is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $18.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Sterile Processing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while handling a high volume of instruments and adhering to rigorous sterilization protocols. Working in a fast-paced environment, they must stay organized to prevent errors and cross-contamination. Effective communication with surgical teams and adaptability to changing priorities are essential for managing these pressures. Regular training and staying updated on the latest safety standards also help associates perform confidently and efficiently.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Associate vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing AssociateSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusDecontaminating, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

While both roles work in healthcare settings and require knowledge of sterile techniques, Sterile Processing Associates focus on sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists actively assist during surgeries. Both roles are essential for patient safety and operate in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and certifications differ.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Associate, you need a strong understanding of infection control, instrument sterilization, and medical terminology, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and certification such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with clinical teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining patient safety and supporting smooth surgical and medical operations.

What is a sterile processing associate?

Sterile Processing Associates are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and clinics. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by ensuring that all surgical tools and devices are properly sanitized and safe for patient use. Their duties also include inventory management, equipment inspection, and following strict protocols to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Associates work closely with surgical teams to ensure that procedures run smoothly and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Sterile Processing Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Sterile Processing Associate job openings:

Production Associate I - B Shift

Woodstock Sterile Solutions

Woodstock, IL โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Woodstock Sterile Solutions (WSS) is the leading North American blow-fill-seal (BFS) sterile contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). From our 430,000 sq ft advanced aseptic manufacturing facility in Woodstock, Illinois, we leverage 50+ years of BFS technology leadership and our patented cold BFS process to serve clients across ophthalmics, respiratory, biologics, and diagnostics markets. We are committed to Proven Excellence. Trusted Solutions.

Position Overview

The Production Associate I is responsible for trimming, inspecting, packaging, and finish-packing products manufactured on our automated Form/Fill/Seal (BFS) machines. This role is a critical link in ensuring every unit that leaves our facility meets the highest standards of quality and sterility assurance. Production Associates report to the Shift Supervisor and work within a fast-paced, performance-driven, and collaborative production environment. This position will be scheduled to work Sunday - Tuesday and every other Saturday, 6:00PM - 6:00AM, and is eligible for a 15% shift premium for overnights and $1/hour shift differential for the 12-hour shifts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain good manufacturing practices (cGMP), good housekeeping, and safe operating practices at all times.

  • Read, question, and understand job descriptions and complete related documentation/paperwork accurately.

  • Work from written and verbal job instructions.

  • Manually trim excess flash from product units as required.

  • Visually inspect bottles, pouches, and other printed components for legible lot numbers, expiration dates, trim die integrity, leaks, and other defects.

  • Load foil, literature, cartons, and other packaging components onto equipment as required.

  • Properly operate equipment such as safety sealers, box makers, shrink machines, inkjet printers, laser scanners, label printers, insert counters, inner carton stream feeders, conveyors, and heat sealing machines.

  • Place units into plastic bags or inner cartons with inserts/adapters as required; verify sealed bags and shrink-wrapped items for complete and proper packaging.

  • Place packed items into cartons, seal, apply shipper labels, and stack cartons on skids.

  • Monitor machinery for jam-ups or malfunctions, notify appropriate supervision, and power down equipment when necessary.

  • Inform Technicians promptly of any machine problems.

  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area and perform routine housekeeping of the packaging area.

  • Maintain effectiveness of Quality System components relevant to this position.

  • Identify, evaluate, and help manage risk to ensure product quality; communicate risk policies and processes throughout the organization.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

  • High School diploma or equivalent

Experience:

  • Minimum 1 year of experience, preferably in manufacturing, packaging, or assembly

  • Experience in pharma, medical device, or food industries is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • High level of attention to detail

  • Works well in a team environment

  • Familiarity with cGMP and safe work practices preferred

  • Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak clear English

Physical Requirements
  • Visual acuity of 20/30 (corrected vision)

  • Ability to stand for up to 12 hours per day

  • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reading of written documents, and use of a computer monitor screen; reaching with hands and arms, handling, and grasping

  • Occasional climbing of ladders/steps, walking on inclines and uneven terrain, stooping, kneeling, crouching, writing, talking, bending, turning, balancing, carrying, and listening

  • Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds

Our Environment
  • Fast-paced

  • Performance driven

  • Customer focused

  • Collaborative and inclusive

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Woodstock Sterile Solutions is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Woodstock Sterile Solutions employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Woodstock Sterile Solutions. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.