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Sterile Processing Instrument Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing & Instrument Reprocessing: * Provide sterile processing support for the hospitals through the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical ...

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Sterile Processing Instrument information

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How much do sterile processing instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing instrument in the United States is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced in a Sterile Processing Instrument role, and how can I prepare for them?

One of the main challenges in a Sterile Processing Instrument role is maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols while working under time constraints, especially in busy healthcare settings. Team members must stay organized, pay close attention to detail, and handle specialized equipment safely and efficiently. To prepare, familiarize yourself with proper sterilization techniques, develop strong communication skills for coordinating with surgical and nursing staff, and stay up-to-date with industry standards. Adapting to frequent workflow changes and prioritizing tasks effectively will help you excel in this dynamic environment.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles related to sterile processing or healthcare support typically do not reach $300,000 annually. Salaries for sterile processing technicians generally range from $40,000 to $60,000, while advanced roles such as surgical technologists or healthcare managers may earn higher, but reaching $300,000 usually requires executive or specialized medical positions. Achieving such compensation often involves additional certifications, experience, or leadership responsibilities in healthcare or related fields.

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. Typically, urban areas and states with larger healthcare facilities or teaching hospitals offer higher wages, especially for those with certifications and specialized skills. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the facility's sterilization needs.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

For a Sterile Processing Instrument technician, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or certifications, as entry-level roles usually pay less. High-paying positions in this field are often found in large healthcare facilities or through supervisory roles, but reaching such income levels without a degree is uncommon and may depend on overtime, bonuses, or additional responsibilities.

How to become a sterile instrument technician?

To become a sterile processing instrument technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or certification in sterile processing. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of sterilization techniques, infection control, and the use of sterilizers and cleaning equipment is essential; some employers prefer candidates with certification from organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Instrument Technician, you need knowledge of sterilization procedures, infection control, and handling of surgical instruments, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, decontamination equipment, and tracking systems like instrument management software is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and safety. These skills are vital to prevent infection, maintain surgical readiness, and support patient safety in healthcare environments.

What is a Sterile Processing Instrument Technician?

A Sterile Processing Instrument Technician is a healthcare professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring that all instruments are properly decontaminated and safe to use. These technicians work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities, following strict protocols and using specialized equipment to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Instrument vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectSterile Processing InstrumentSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsOften requires certification in sterile processing or central sterile processingRequires certification such as CBSPD or IAHCSMM
Work EnvironmentPrimarily involved in instrument handling, cleaning, and sterilization processesPerforms sterilization, assembly, and quality checks in healthcare settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities

Both roles focus on sterilizing and processing surgical instruments, but Sterile Processing Instrument typically refers to the specific tools or roles involved in instrument handling, while Sterile Processing Technician is a broader job title encompassing the entire sterilization process. They often overlap in duties and certifications, making them closely related in the healthcare industry.

More about Sterile Processing Instrument jobs
What cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Instrument jobs? Cities with the most Sterile Processing Instrument job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Instrument jobs? The most popular types of Sterile Processing Instrument jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Instrument job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,665 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Sterile Processing Assistant

Sterile Processing Assistant

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$39K - $42K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG195062SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Sterile Processing Assistant
Anticipated Hiring Range
$39,000 - $42,200
Work Schedule
Daytime, TBD, holidays/on call required, mandatory
Job Location
Raleigh, NC
Department
CVM Teaching Hospital
About the Department
Established in 1983, the NC State Veterinary Hospital (VH) is one of the nation's highest-rated academic medical centers, serving North Carolina and the surrounding region. The VH treats nearly 35,000 patients annually across more than 20 clinical services, utilizing a team-based approach that leverages the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned board-certified specialists.
The VH is dedicated to:
  • Clinical Excellence: Providing compassionate, state-of-the-art specialty healthcare at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine.
  • Education: Delivering expert clinical instruction to fourth-year veterinary students from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Innovation: Advancing the field through the ongoing investigation of innovative techniques and medical procedures.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The primary purpose of this position is to support the NC State Veterinary Hospitals by providing sterile processing services for surgical instrumentation and equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted patient care. This position is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, inventory management, and distribution of surgical instruments and supplies while maintaining compliance with hospital policies and regulatory guidelines. The role also serves as a key support resource for clinical teams by delivering exceptional customer service and helping ensure the operational readiness of surgical services throughout the Veterinary Hospital.
Sterile Processing & Instrument Reprocessing:
  • Provide sterile processing support for the hospitals through the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and equipment in accordance with hospital and regulatory guidelines.

Customer Service & Clinical Support:
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to clinical teams by responding to questions regarding surgical packs, instrumentation availability, equipment operation, and procedural supply needs.

Operating Room Coordination:
  • Collaborate closely with Operating Room staff to support surgical scheduling, room turnover, and rapid instrument turnaround to ensure equipment and instrumentation needs are consistently met for procedures.

Inventory & Systems Management:
  • Maintain and manage surgical instrumentation, implant inventory, and component lists within ISIP Surgical to ensure accuracy, availability, and operational efficiency.

Department Operations & Purchasing:
  • Support departmental operations through coordination of equipment and instrumentation rentals, billing activities, and purchasing of implants and sterile processing supplies to maintain uninterrupted workflow and high-quality service.

Professional Standards & Operations
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe, and functional workspace in accordance with OSHA, EHS, radiation safety, hospital infectious disease policies, and sterile processing standards.
  • Team Collaboration & Communication: Participate actively in problem-solving and team advancement while working independently with sound judgment and seeking assistance when appropriate.

Operational Agility & Physical Demands:
  • Demonstrate the ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations, work safely around potential hazards including zoonotic diseases, chemicals, and gases, and extend work hours as needed to support patient care and hospital operations.

Other Responsibilities
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Some positions may require additional Training, Certifications, or Licensure.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Clinical Experience: Previous experience as an operating room or sterile processing assistant in a veterinary or human healthcare clinical setting; preferably at a teaching hospital.
Instructional Background: Proven experience in teaching, coaching, or mentoring veterinary students and junior staff members within a clinical environment.
Specialized Technical Proficiency: Competency in sterile processing operations, including advanced handling of complex surgical instrumentation, sterilization technologies, infection control practices, and support of high-volume or specialty surgical services.
Critical Thinking & Operational Judgment: Strong ability to apply critical thinking to sterile processing workflows, including prioritizing instrument turnaround, resolving equipment or sterilization issues, and exercising sound judgment in fast-paced, high-demand surgical environments.
Communication & Professional Resilience: Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality customer service to clinical teams, communicate clearly regarding instrumentation and supply needs, and maintain professionalism and composure in high-volume or high-pressure hospital settings.
Required License or Certification
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required
No
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
06/12/2026
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)
06/19/2026
Notice to Applicants
Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.
Special Instructions
Please include as attachments a resume and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00112114
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Medical Support Technician
Position Classification Band Level
Journey
Position Classification Salary Range
$ 39,000 - $ 77,109
Salary Grade Equivalency
MH08
Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Time Limited Position
No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Department Id
192001 - CVM Teaching Hospital
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887