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Sterile Processing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Sterile Processing Associate information

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How much do sterile processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing associate in the United States is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $20.67 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, and why are they important?

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 are Sterile Processing Associates?

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 cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Associate jobs? Cities with the most Sterile Processing Associate 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 Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Sterile Processing Associate jobs include:

Central Sterile Processing Associate

UPMC Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

To be trained to perform duties necessary for the proper decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution and documentation of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment according to established procedures.

Eligible candidates will be offered a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 based on their years of experience!

**Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job titles based on their experience and education**


Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of performance improvement tools and techniques. Continuously improves the quality of care and the work environment of outcomes and the integration of research and best practices into daily work. Shares learning from improvements with other units and/or spreads across the business unit or system.
  • Practices solid verbal and written communication skills, and is able to articulate and translate to other care providers and to negotiate and make recommendations for changes in unit practices Documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Demonstrates critical thinking in the analysis of clinical, social, safety, psychological and spiritual issues. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction of the patient experience in daily work. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with colleagues. Disseminates new knowledge and innovations through presentations, posters, and publications.
  • Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams and relationships through mentoring and modeling uplifting and positive communication. Coaches colleagues on cultural diversity and addresses workplace horizontal violence and impairment. Demonstrates accountability to self and others for safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyles.
  • Demonstrates interest in the development of others and positively impacts the lives of patients/families, peers, and members of the healthcare team through mentoring, education, and knowledge sharing. Seeks opportunities to share expertise with other members of the healthcare team within and beyond the clinical unit/department.
  • Demonstrates accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care. Makes recommendations for the improvement of clinical care and the health of the workplace and welcomes and participates in change initiatives. Leads by investing and building healthy relationships among colleagues and other disciplines. Shows the ability to set priorities.
  • Conforms and adheres to department policies concerning decontamination, sterile processing, infection control and safety.
  • Cleans and decontaminates reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies, manually and mechanically.
  • Prepares and assembles surgical tray and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.
  • Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of, and is able to effectively troubleshoot, all decontamination/sterilization equipment.
  • Assesses supplies required for prescribed standard surgical procedures and sets up case carts. Maintains inventory, collects, disassembles, inspects, cleans, disinfects and reassembles all instrument trays patient care equipment.
  • Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.
  • Displays awareness of cost containment in the organization of work by using economy in time, motion and material.

  • High school diploma/GED or equivalent with no experience -OR- Currently enrolled in an Accredited Surgical Technician/Sterile Processing Program Preferred -OR-1 year of experience within UPMC
  • If grandfathered as a technician who does not hold certification, must complete 10 hours of continuing education to remain qualified as a Central Sterile Technician on an annual basis. Certified staff are required to complete 10-12 hours of continuing education as a condition of maintaining certification, as determined by the certifying body.

    Staff pending certification within 18 months of hire are not required to complete continuing education untilcertified.Must be able to stand for all shift hours and be able to pick up, push, pull etc. 35 pounds.
    Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

  • Employees active in a Central Sterile position, on or before the effective date 12/27/2020, at a healthcare facility, are grandfathered regarding certification and will not need to obtain it unless they move into a different position that would require certification.
  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or Certified Registered Central Service Technician with Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.
  • Certification required for our PA and NY facilities (MD facilities are excluded). New employees in our PA and NY facilities (MD is excluded) will have 18 months from date of hire to obtain required certification.
  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution OR Certified Registered Central Service Technician with Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
  • Act 34


UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran