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Sterile Processing Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Lead

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$24.11 - $36.17/hr

Sterile Processing Work Schedule : Full Time, 1.0 FTE, Monday - Friday 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Shift: Evenings Pay: $24.11 - $36.17 / hour. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience This ...

Sterile Processing Lead

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$24.11 - $36.17/hr

Sterile Processing Work Schedule : Full Time, 1.0 FTE, Monday - Friday 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Shift: Evenings Pay: $24.11 - $36.17 / hour. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience This ...

Sterile Processing Lead REPORTS TO POSITION: Sterile Processing Manager or Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Sterile Processing DATE LAST REVIEWED: July 2026 OUR VISION: Creating America's healthiest community ...

Sterile Processing Lead REPORTS TO POSITION: Sterile Processing Manager or Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Sterile Processing DATE LAST REVIEWED: July 2026 OUR VISION: Creating America's healthiest community ...

Sterile Processing Lead REPORTS TO POSITION: Sterile Processing Manager or Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Sterile Processing DATE LAST REVIEWED: July 2026 OUR VISION: Creating America's healthiest community ...

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Sterile Processing Lead information

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$16

$39

$66

How much do sterile processing lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing lead in the United States is $39.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile processing lead?

A Sterile Processing Lead is a healthcare professional responsible for overseeing the sterilization and preparation of medical instruments and equipment within a hospital or clinic. They supervise sterile processing technicians, ensure compliance with safety and sterilization standards, and coordinate workflow in the department. The role involves training staff, maintaining inventory, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring all instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for surgical procedures. The Sterile Processing Lead plays a crucial role in infection control and patient safety.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Lead, you need in-depth knowledge of sterilization procedures, instrument decontamination, and compliance standards, typically supported by certification such as CRCST or CBSPD. Familiarity with automated sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and inventory management software is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for training staff and maintaining quality assurance. These competencies ensure that medical instruments are consistently prepared to the highest standards, directly impacting patient safety and surgical outcomes.

How does a sterile processing lead support team training and ensure compliance with safety standards?

A Sterile Processing Lead plays a key role in onboarding new technicians, providing ongoing training, and promoting adherence to infection control protocols. They often conduct regular audits, coach team members on best practices, and serve as a resource for troubleshooting equipment or procedural issues. By fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning, the Lead helps the department maintain compliance with regulatory standards such as those set by The Joint Commission and AAMI. This position typically collaborates closely with surgical staff and other hospital departments to ensure timely and accurate instrument processing.

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

AspectSterile Processing LeadSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPD, CRCST, or CBSPD certification often preferredCPD, CRCST, or CBSPD certification typically required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team in hospital or surgical centerPerforms sterilization tasks in sterile processing department
ResponsibilitiesOversees sterilization processes, trains staff, ensures compliancePerforms sterilization, cleaning, and packaging of surgical instruments

The Sterile Processing Lead generally has more supervisory duties and requires certifications similar to the Sterile Processing Technician. While both roles work in sterile processing departments within healthcare facilities, the Lead oversees staff and processes, whereas the Technician focuses on executing sterilization tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to become a sterile processing lead?

To become a sterile processing lead, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience in sterile processing or surgical instrument reprocessing. Certification such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) is often required or preferred, along with strong organizational and leadership skills. Advancement usually involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications, and demonstrating proficiency in sterilization procedures and equipment management.
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What cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Lead jobs?

Cities with the most Sterile Processing Lead job openings:

What states have the most Sterile Processing Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sterile Processing Lead jobs include:

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,362 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


United Surgical Partners International rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Northwest Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) has a full time opening for a Sterile Processing Lead.    

Northwest Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a multi-specialty, ambulatory surgical center located in the northwest section of Portland, OR.   We believe health and care are inseparable. We focus on offering a high quality, service oriented environment for all surgical procedures. We are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. 

What You Will Do   (Job Summary): 

Under the general supervision of the Administrator / Clinical Director, coordinates and oversees the daily activities between the Operating Room (OR), schedule and Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to ensure efficient case flow and needs.   Will supervise the Sterile Processing Department staff.   

Monday-Friday daytime work schedule

NO call required

NO Nights, NO Weekends, NO Holiday work hours

What We Offer   (based on status)                              

  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • Paid time off (vacation & sick leave) - Starting PTO accrual is 15 days per year.  
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
  • Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, AD&D, auto & home insurance.

Required Skills
  •                  High School Diploma or GED required
  •                 Graduate of a Sterile Processing Program.
  •                 CRCST or CSPDT certification preferred
  • ·              2+  years experience in a multi-specialty operating room environment
  • ·              CPR accredited by AHA required
  •                   Knowledge of sterile processing operations and issues
  • ·                 Knowledge of medical instruments and surgical procedures as related to the OR
  • ·                 Knowledge of the proper set up of an operating room
  • ·                 Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with physicians, surgeons, operating room staff and other healthcare professionals
  • ·                 Good computer skills
  • ·                 Ability to handle multiple tasks successfully
  • ·                 Demonstrate clinical competency, leadership, and teaching capabilities

Who We Are

We are part of a much larger team with United Surgical Partners International (USPI).  At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.


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