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Sterile Processing Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UWMC - Montlake has an outstanding opportunity for an LEAD STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN. WORK SCHEDULE * 40 hours per week * Night Shift DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION CSPD is instrumental to patient care ...

$22.90 - $34.35/hr

Department: 37719 Lexington Medical Center - Sterile Processing Services Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 40 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Full Time, 3pm-11pm Pay ...

Lead and inspire the Sterile Processing Department team during your assigned shift, ensuring smooth operations and high performance. * Conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with direct reports to ...

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Sterile Processing Lead information

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$39

$66

How much do sterile processing lead jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 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.

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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Lead job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 31% Physical, 23% Hybrid, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,362 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Sterile Processing Lead - Outpatient Surgery Center

Sterile Processing Lead - Outpatient Surgery Center

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Akron, OH

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Sterile Processing Lead is capable of performing all functions of a Sterile Processing Technician independently while supporting the Sterile Processing Manager with leading the operations of the Sterile Processing Department.

Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities

Leads daily department operations including delegation of work in an effective manner and provides the necessary leadership to ensure work results. Schedules staffing levels to assure proper production of supplies. Coordinates, trains and evaluates performance of supervised personnel. Acts as preceptor in the orientation/education development of all staff members.

Participates in the interviewing and evaluation process for staff. Resolves employee issues and take disciplinary action with assistance of higher management and Human Resources when necessary.

Ensures quality control and efficient production of processed products in line with the recommendations of Infection Control, Joint Commission, AORN, AAMI and other industry standards.

Oversees and manages audits for trays and case carts. Assures instruments and supplies are provided according to schedule. Assures instrument repair and restore program is implemented correctly.

Assists management in determining budget needs and monitors budgetary parameters for ongoing functions of the processing area. Assists in developing and/ or updating departmental policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Ensures proper manufacturing guidelines for sterilization and reusable instruments and supplies are followed.

Maintain the inventory, storage, record keeping, security, conduct of Central Processing including vendor area / supplies as required by CCOC. Prepares statistical Central Processing reports. Ensures no un-approved products are introduced to the departments without consultation with the manager.

Assists in proper handling/care/utilization all types of supplies/equipment/instruments to ensure efficient function for patient/personnel safety in the O.R. Acts rapidly/effectively managing self/staff/patient during emergency situation. Responsible for all PI monitoring in the department.

Acts as Liaison to vendors and sales people.

All other duties not specifically assigned.

Position Requirements

Education: Graduate of an accredited Sterile Processing program, College degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in sterile processing preferred.

Technical Skills: Acquired knowledge of decontamination and sterilization sciences, case cart systems and medical/surgical supplies and equipment. In depth knowledge of the following standards: AAMI, FDA, JACH, OSHA.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Central Processing / Sterilization credentialing preferred (CBSPD).