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Sterile Processing Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Endeavor Health

$21.08 - $31.62/hr

Lead Sterile Processing Tech-Sterile Processing Department-Evenings Position Highlights: * Position: Lead Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Naperville, IL * Full Time/Part Time: Full time * Hours ...

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$39

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How much do sterile processing lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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.

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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 - SPD LEAD (EVENINGS)

STERILE PROCESSING LEAD - SPD LEAD (EVENINGS)

Beebe Healthcare

Lewes, DE • On-site

$18.50 - $28.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Beebe Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

638th of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why Beebe?

Become part of the Beebe team - an inclusive team positioned in a vibrant, coastal community.  Enjoy a fulfilling career as you support the health of our patients and a team focused on excellence.

In addition to competitive compensation and wellness benefits (medical, dental, vision, and prescription) Beebe Healthcare also offers:

  • Sign-on and Referral Bonuses for select positions
  • Tuition Assistance up to $5,000
  • Paid Time Off
  • Long Term Sick accrual
  • Employer Contribution Plan
  • Free Short and Long-Term Disability for Full Time employees
  • Zero copay for drugs on prescription plan for certain conditions
  • College Bound 529 Savings Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Beebe Pers via WorkAdvantage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
Overview

Are you a Sterile Processing Tech ready to lead with confidence, skill, and purpose? Join our Beebe Healthcare as a Lead Sterile Processing Technician and play a crucial role in safeguarding patient safety and surgical services.  As Lead Sterile Processing Tech you will assist the manager in overseeing daily technical operations, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Support problem-solving, communication, and staff training. Serves as a knowledgeable resource to the team. This clinically competent, certified Central Sterile Processing professional brings proven expertise in instrumentation, equipment, and current industry standards to guide and support staff effectively.

Responsibilities

As the Lead Sterile Processing Technician - Evening, you will play a vital role in ensuring daily operations of our Sterile Processing Department transition smoothy into the evening shift.  You will be supporting team development and ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Planning, organizing, and optimizing workflow to maximize productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction
  • Acting as a key resource for the team-providing technical guidance, answering questions, and sharing expert-level knowledge of sterile processing procedures and equipment
  • Assisting in the development and implementation of PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) systems for continuous process improvement and taking initiative when corrective action is needed
  • Ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures as well as all quality, safety, and regulatory/accreditation requirements
  • Supporting leadership by monitoring regulatory compliance and addressing deficiencies proactively
  • Training and mentoring new and current team members and students, ensuring orientation and training checklists are completed
  • Overseeing the completion of annual mandatory education and competency assessments for the team
  • Providing performance feedback to leadership, including coaching or disciplinary recommendations, and assisting with performance appraisals
  • Recommending and supporting departmental training, quality, safety programs, and performance improvement initiatives
  • Participating in interviews and candidate selection, offering valuable input in the hiring process
  • Maintaining thorough records and documentation in alignment with policies, procedures, and accreditation requirements
Qualifications
  • Minimum five year's experience in the field of Sterile Processing.
  • Previous experience as an Operating Room Technician beneficial.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to relate well with people of diverse backgrounds, training and experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of instruments and equipment used in the department.
  • Knowledge of principles of sterilization and decontamination.
  • Must be able to set priorities.
Competencies Skills
  • Clear Communication Skills Both Written And Verbal
  • Able To Keep Confidential Information Regarding Patients, Team Members
  • Able To Withstand Crisis Situations
  • Has Skills To Provides Customer Service To Patients, Team Members And Visitors
  • Knowledge And Experience With Electronic Health Records
Credentials
  • Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) or Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential.
Education
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
  • Associate's Degree or equivalent from two-year College or technical school preferred.
EntryUSD $18.50/Hr.MaxUSD $28.68/Hr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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