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Sterile Processing Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Sterile Processing Specialist information

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How much do sterile processing specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing specialist in the United States is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile processing specialist?

Sterile Processing Specialists are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. They ensure that all tools used in patient care are free from contaminants and meet strict safety standards. Their work is crucial in preventing infections and supporting safe surgical procedures. Sterile Processing Specialists typically work in the central sterile supply department and collaborate closely with surgical teams.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Specialist, you need knowledge of sterilization procedures, infection control standards, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, instrument tracking systems, and decontamination equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, prevent infections, and support smooth surgical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by sterile processing specialists and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols, managing high workloads during peak surgical times, and ensuring all instruments are properly tracked and sterilized. Staying organized and detail-oriented is key to preventing errors and ensuring patient safety. Effective communication with surgical teams and staying updated on the latest sterilization technologies can help manage these challenges while fostering a collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Specialist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing SpecialistSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCBSPD or IAHCSMM certification often requiredCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) typically required
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites, hospitals
Job FocusCleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, preparing operating rooms

While both roles are vital in surgical settings, Sterile Processing Specialists focus on sterilizing and maintaining surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require certifications and work in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Sterile Processing Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Sterile Processing Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,948 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Specialist

RWJBarnabas Health

Belleville, NJ • On-site

$24.22 - $29.96/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 331 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 896 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: Sterile Processing Specialist

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Central Sterile Supply

Req #: 0000262297

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $24.22 - $29.96 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Sterile Processing Technician, Certified – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Certified Sterile Processing Technicians become part of a purpose-driven environment where precision, teamwork, and patient safety create meaningful opportunities to support exceptional healthcare. This Certified Sterile Processing Technician role offers opportunities for professional growth, supportive collaboration, and a culture committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. As a Certified Sterile Processing Technician, you will play an essential role in ensuring surgical instruments and patient care equipment are properly cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, and prepared for safe clinical use while partnering with interdisciplinary teams dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Certified Sterile Processing Technician is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.

A typical day for a Certified Sterile Processing Technician may include:

  • Performing all aspects of the decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization process for surgical instruments and patient care equipment
  • Inspecting instruments and equipment to ensure all components are thoroughly cleaned, functioning properly, and ready for sterilization and clinical use
  • Cleaning and processing patient care equipment according to established procedures to prevent cross-contamination and promote a safe healthcare environment
  • Selecting the appropriate method of disinfection or sterilization by following manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and organizational policies
  • Performing biological monitoring of steam, ethylene oxide (ETO), and gas plasma sterilization systems to verify sterilization parameters have been achieved
  • Reviewing sterilizer performance tests, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
  • Maintaining the proper working condition of equipment utilized in direct patient care and reporting equipment concerns as appropriate
  • Collaborating with surgical services, nursing, and other healthcare professionals to ensure timely availability of sterile instruments and supplies
  • Supporting a safe, organized, and efficient Sterile Processing Department while participating in quality improvement initiatives and ongoing professional development

This role might be for you if:

  • You are detail-oriented and take pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient safety
  • You thrive in a collaborative healthcare environment and enjoy supporting clinical teams behind the scenes
  • Strong organizational and time management skills allow you to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced setting
  • You understand the importance of infection prevention and consistently follow established protocols and best practices
  • You are committed to accuracy, accountability, and maintaining thorough documentation
  • Adaptability allows you to respond confidently as departmental priorities and patient care needs evolve
  • Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you

To be considered for this Certified Sterile Processing Technician opportunity, you are passionate about supporting safe, high-quality patient care through excellence in sterile processing and infection prevention. You have a high school diploma or equivalent and hold a current Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification. Membership in a recognized Central Sterile Association is required, along with successful completion of site personnel general and department-specific orientation. Previous experience in sterile processing or healthcare is preferred. Strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team are essential.

Scheduling Requirements:

  • Full-Time, Day Shift, 37.5 hours per week

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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015