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Sterile Processing Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UCHealth

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 ...

UCHealth

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 ...

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How much do sterile processing lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 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 is the highest pay for a sterile processing technician?

The highest pay for a sterile processing technician can reach around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, certifications, or supervisory roles like Sterile Processing Lead. Salaries vary based on location, healthcare facility, and level of expertise, with some top earners in large hospitals or specialized centers earning higher wages.

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

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.

Can you make 6 figures as a sterile processing technician?

Sterile processing technicians typically earn salaries below six figures, with most earning between $35,000 and $55,000 annually. However, experienced leads or those with additional certifications and responsibilities can sometimes approach or exceed $60,000, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with overtime. Reaching a six-figure salary is uncommon for standard roles but may be possible with advanced positions or management responsibilities.

Will sterile processing be replaced by AI?

Sterile processing leads focus on sterilizing and preparing medical instruments, and while AI and automation can assist with inventory management and tracking, the core tasks require human oversight for quality control and handling complex instruments. AI is unlikely to fully replace sterile processing technicians due to the need for manual skills and judgment in ensuring patient safety.

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.

More about Sterile Processing Lead jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Lead jobs are:
Sterile Processing Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,362 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Sterile Processing Lead

Sterile Processing Lead

UCHealth

Pueblo, CO • On-site

$24.11 - $36.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

UCHealth (Colorado) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 447 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
Location: UCHealth UCHth Parkview Medical Center, US:CO:Pueblo
Department: 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 position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote option
Summary:
Leads team members of an assigned area or function by demonstrating and providing advanced knowledge of job responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
  • Assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental policies and procedures.
  • Provides mentoring, monitoring, coaching, and evaluation of team members' performance, especially in the areas of productivity and quality management. Serves as a positive role model for team members by working with them to promote teamwork and cooperation.
  • Assists with coordinating services, prioritizing assignments and workflow, and promoting situational decision-making/problem solving. Assist team with ordering of supplies for the department and monitoring of staff production and quality metrics.
  • Performs responsibilities of underlying job. Takes responsibility for, or provides guidance to team members on, the handling of complex or novel issues.
  • Within scope of job, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take appropriate action.

Requirements:
  • High School diploma or GED. Preferred: Medical Terminology course.
  • Certified as a CSPDT (Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) or CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician).
  • 2 years of sterile processing experience.
  • IF APPLICABLE: BLS through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer with card in-hand before start date. BLS or CPR card must be good through sixty days of hire.

Employees are our number one asset.
UCHealth promotes a culture that invests in professional success and personal well-being through a comprehensive total rewards program. *
Recognition
  • Performance bonus: UCHealth offers a 3-Year Incentive Bonus to recognize employee contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, financial goals and tenure. The bonus accumulates annually each October and is paid out in October during the third year of employment.
  • Performance-based pay increase: The Annual Merit Pay Increase recognizes work performance that meets or consistently exceeds performance standards documented through UCHealth's established evaluation process and accounts for increased experience, skills and cost of living.
  • Market reviews: All UCHealth positions are reviewed annually to ensure UCHealth base pay aligns with market standards. Base pay rates are adjusted as needed to stay market competitive.

Health and well-being
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage.
  • Access to 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
  • Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
  • Free Care.com membership.
  • Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
  • Time away from work: Paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence.
    • New employees receive an initial PTO load with first paycheck.
  • Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options.
  • Employer-provided short-term disability and long-term disability with a buy-up coverage option.

Retirement and savings
  • 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
  • Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
  • Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available when enrolled in high-deductible (HD) medical plan.

Education and career growth
  • UCHealth provides access to academic degrees and certificate programs to promote professional and personal growth.
    • Up to 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees.
    • Other programs may qualify for up to $10,000/year pre-paid by UCHealth or up to $5,250/year in the form of tuition reimbursement.
  • Access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of virtual courses and seminars, and internal professional development opportunities.
  • Employees have access to free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting their federal student loans for forgiveness.

* Eligibility for some programs is based on an employee's scheduled work hours.
We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when the do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
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