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Sterile Processing Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phsorg

Supervisor - Sterile Processing

Espanola, NM

$47K - $72K/yr

Supervise the daily activities of the Sterile Processing Department. Implements and monitors ongoing quality improvement indicators. Assures ongoing educational activities and competencies of ...

Mercy

Manager - Sterile Processing

Fort Smith, AR

Directs and coordinates all activities of Sterile Processing Department. Works independently with delegated authority and responsibility from the Director Regional Sterile Processing or designee.

Mercy

Manager - Sterile Processing

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

Directs and coordinates all activities of Sterile Processing Department. Works independently with delegated authority and responsibility from the Director Regional Sterile Processing or designee.

Mercy

Manager - Sterile Processing

Anoka, MN

Directs and coordinates all activities of Sterile Processing Department. Works independently with delegated authority and responsibility from the Director Regional Sterile Processing or designee.

Mercy

Manager - Sterile Processing

Fort Smith, AR

Directs and coordinates all activities of Sterile Processing Department. Works independently with delegated authority and responsibility from the Director Regional Sterile Processing or designee.

Mercy

Manager - Sterile Processing

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

Directs and coordinates all activities of Sterile Processing Department. Works independently with delegated authority and responsibility from the Director Regional Sterile Processing or designee.

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Sterile Processing Department information

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How much do sterile processing department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing department 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 is the difference between Sterile Processing Department vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing DepartmentSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCBSPD, IAHCSMMCST (Certified Surgical Technologist)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing areas, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusSterilizing, disinfecting, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments
Industry UsageHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities

While both roles are essential in surgical settings, the Sterile Processing Department focuses on sterilizing and preparing instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and work in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does a sterile processing department do?

A sterile processing department is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instruments and medical equipment to ensure they are safe for patient use. Technicians in this department use specialized tools and follow strict protocols to prevent infection and ensure compliance with health standards.

Where do sterile processing techs make the most money?

Sterile processing technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with larger healthcare facilities. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in hospitals or specialized surgical centers can also influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in the Sterile Processing Department, and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Department (SPD) professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of surgical instruments, adhering to strict sterilization protocols, and staying updated with evolving industry standards. Time management and attention to detail are crucial, as any oversight can impact patient safety. Many facilities support staff with ongoing training, clear communication with surgical teams, and robust quality assurance processes to help manage these challenges and ensure a safe healthcare environment.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing tech?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). The job market is competitive but steady, with employers valuing attention to detail, knowledge of sterilization procedures, and familiarity with sterilization equipment. Having relevant certifications and experience can improve employment prospects.

Will sterile processing be replaced by AI?

Sterile processing departments rely on trained technicians to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments, and while AI and automation are increasingly used for inventory management and quality control, the core tasks require human oversight and expertise. AI can assist with certain repetitive or data-driven tasks, but it is unlikely to fully replace sterile processing roles in the near future due to the need for manual handling and safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Department Technician, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma and certification such as the CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and decontamination equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure surgical instruments are properly sterilized and available, directly impacting patient safety and the efficiency of clinical operations.

What is the Sterile Processing Department?

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is a specialized area in hospitals and healthcare facilities responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment. Staff in this department ensure that all reusable medical devices are safe and free from harmful microorganisms before they are used in patient care or surgeries. The SPD plays a critical role in infection control, patient safety, and the smooth operation of surgical and procedural areas. Their work helps prevent healthcare-associated infections and supports the overall efficiency of medical services.
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Sterile Processing Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Department job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

LEAD TECHNICIAN, STERILE PROCESSING

SGMC Health

Valdosta, GA • On-site

Full-time, Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
WHAT IT'S LIKE AT SGMC HEALTH
Purpose. No matter your role or area that you work in, at SGMC Health we are collectively working towards goals that will make our community a better place.
Excellence. We strive to do the right thing the right way, are accountable in all we do, require competence of our people, and are compassionate in our service.
Team Spirit. We encourage team effort, support personal and professional development, acknowledge individual talents and skills, and support innovation and empowerment.
Award Winning Performance. We are committed to providing the best care possible and we are proud to be recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for the exceptional care that our staff provides.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE SGMC HEALTH
SGMC has great benefit options, depending on the role that you are going into- including healthcare, supplementary benefits, ways to save for the future, opportunities for career advancement, and opportunities to expand your skill set. Some of these great benefit options are listed below:
  • Low Healthcare Insurance Premiums
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Employee discounts
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Cancer Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • On-the-job training and skills development
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Employee Assistance Program

JOB LOCATION : Main Campus
DEPARTMENT: STERILE PROCESSING
SCHEDULE: Full Time, 8HR Night Shift, 2300-0700
POSITION SUMMARY
The Processing Technician will be responsible for assisting in meeting age-specific (neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) patient's needs in the support role of instrument and equipment handling during the immediate and postoperative course (in the OR areas) and central sterilization of instrumentation & processed goods as needed throughout house wide areas of responsibility. Performs decontamination processing and sterilization procedures in accordance with Infection Control policy/procedures. Assembles, maintains and ensure functionality of surgical instruments prepares case carts for surgical procedures and prepares and assembles procedure carts and specialty trays for various department within the hospital. Maintains established departmental/hospital policies, procedure, objectives, Performance Improvement and patient Safety, and Infection Control. Works as a member of a unit based, multi-disciplinary patient care team. Accountability will be monitored through direct observation, financial goal achievement, performance improvement activities, and patient outcomes. Responsible for the decontamination and reprocessing of instrumentation; operation of sterilization and information systems critical to the efficient delivery of equipment, instrumentation and supplies to the Operating Rooms (Inpatient OR) and instruments (L&D OR), and supervision of SPD tech in absence of the Manager. Responsible for Procedure trays used in patient care areas/units, off-site clinics and prompt care, emergency department, radiology and clinics and other areas of service. House wide responsibility for Crash Cart re-supplies and Decontamination of instruments used house wide. Aids in the organizing, directing and controlling of the activities of the Sterile Processing Department in conjunction with the Sterile Processing Department Manager. Provides direction and consistent supervision of sterile processing technicians. Assists Sterile Processing Department Manager to orient, train employees as necessary. Responsible to practice in a professional manner the necessary leadership in representing, promulgating and enforcing the standards of quality assurance, infection control, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies. Aids in the organizing, directing and controlling of the activities of the Sterile Processing Department in conjunction with the Sterile Processing Department Manager. Provides direction and consistent supervision of sterile processing technicians. Assists Sterile Processing Department Manager to orient, train employees as necessary. Responsible to practice in a professional manner the necessary leadership in representing, promulgating and enforcing the standards of quality assurance, infection control, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • High School Graduate or GED preferred plus 3 years of Central Sterile Processing (hands-on) experience required or in related area or completion of Surgical Technology program with no previous experience.
  • Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) certification or completion of Surgical Technology program preferred.
  • Demonstrated current knowledge of health care trends of the ages of patient served (e.g. infant, child, and adolescent, adult or geriatric), ability to apply new concepts, and strong ability to initiate change.
  • Exceptional level of interpersonal skill needed in order to interact with health care team, lead through role modeling and demonstration.
  • High level of mental/visual ability required in order to anticipate needs of staff and patient, assess situation/events and make adjustment as warranted, perform efficiently in emergency situations, etc.
  • Substantial level of physical ability required 50% of time in order to lift instrument trays, carts, recurrent standing for long periods, walking, etc.
  • Philosophy of health care is congruent with the stated and cultural mission of the organization.
  • Knowledge of legal scope and responsibilities in the practice of sterile processing and the ability to practice and communicate these to others.
  • Above average ability to communicate orally and in writing to all levels of personnel, management, physicians, and significant others.
WORKING CONDITIONS - ADA INFORMATION
Works in a normal hospital setting with climate control of heating, air conditioning (cool to cold in surgical areas) and adequate lighting. Frequently exposed to infectious and communicable diseases; blood and body fluids; and other body secretions and excretions. Also exposed to sharps and chemicals. Frequently exposed to steam sterilizers, electrical equipment and wet floors, which require special safety precautions. May be required to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime hours and call. Ability to handle heavy materials or patients. Physical demands greater than moderate may require knowledge in the use of appropriate equipment. Frequent bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, and pulling require use of proper body mechanics. Often it will be necessary for individual to stand for long periods and may spend most of the shift on feet. Requires close mental, visual, tactile, olfactory and auditory attention in all phases of patient care activities.
SEE WHAT ALL OF THE HYPE IS ABOUT
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