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Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

Sterile Processing Tech - Days

Skokie, IL · On-site

$19.89 - $28.84/hr

Position: Certified Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 6:00am-2:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need:

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

Sterile Processing Tech - Nights

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.89 - $28.84/hr

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Chicago, IL * Full Time/Part Time: 40 hours per week * Hours: 10:00pm-6:30am rotating weekends and holidays What you will need: * Education: GED/High School ...

Sterile Processing Tech * Location: Skokie, IL * Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week * Hours: 2:00pm-10:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required What you will need: * Education: GED/High ...

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Sterile Processing Tech information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$28

$45

How much do sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing tech in Chicago, IL is $28.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sterile processing tech?

A Sterile Processing Tech, also known as a Sterile Processing Technician or Central Service Technician, is a healthcare professional responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring all tools and equipment used in medical procedures are properly sanitized. Sterile Processing Techs work closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff to maintain a safe and sterile environment. Their duties also include inventory management, documentation, and following strict protocols to meet regulatory standards.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Tech, you need knowledge of infection control, instrument sterilization procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization monitoring systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and teamwork. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintain patient safety, prevent infections, and support efficient surgical operations.

What are some common challenges sterile processing techs face when handling surgical instruments, and how are they addressed?

Sterile Processing Techs often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of surgical instruments under tight time constraints and ensuring strict adherence to sterilization protocols. These challenges are typically addressed through meticulous organization, ongoing training on new equipment, and close communication with surgical teams to prioritize urgent cases. Many facilities also use advanced tracking systems to monitor instrument sets, which helps minimize errors and improve workflow efficiency. Collaboration with operating room staff is key to anticipating needs and preventing delays.

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

AspectSterile Processing TechSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPD, CBSPD, or IAHCSMM certificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile supply, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Primary ResponsibilitiesSterilizing, disinfecting, and managing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, preparing operating rooms

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

How do I become a sterile processing technician?

To become a sterile processing technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or certification in sterile processing. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of sterilization techniques, medical equipment, and safety protocols is essential; some employers prefer candidates with certification from organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

How much money do sterile processing techs make?

Sterile processing technicians typically earn an average annual salary between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work in healthcare environments, handling sterilization of surgical instruments and using specialized equipment. Salaries can increase with additional certifications or advanced roles.

Is being a sterile processing technician worth it?

Sterile processing technicians play a vital role in healthcare by sterilizing and preparing medical equipment, ensuring patient safety. The job typically offers stable employment, competitive pay, and opportunities for certification and skill development, making it a worthwhile career for those interested in healthcare support roles.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing technician?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CBSPD or ASPST and experience with sterilization equipment can improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced healthcare environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sterile Processing Tech jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sterile Processing Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,910 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech - Days

Endeavor Health

Naperville, IL

$20.69 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Endeavor Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 401 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Hourly Pay Range:

$20.69 - $30.00 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.

Sterile Processing Technician-Sterile Processing Department - Days

Position Highlights:

  • Bonus: 5K Sign On for 2 or more years experience in Sterile Processing

  • Position:  Certified Sterile Processing Tech

  • Location: Naperville, IL

  • Full Time/Part Time: (40 hours) per week

  • Hours: 7:00am-3:30pm rotating weekends and holidays required

What you will need:

  • Education: GED/High School Equivalent required

  • Certification: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) strongly preferred

  • Experience: Two years of sterile processing or operating room experience in surgical instrumentation preferred

What you will do:

  • Provide hospital and affiliated facilities with sterile processed materials and equipment

  • Execute established procedures for decontamination assembly, packaging sterilization and surgical case cart set up practices by ensuring quality product for patient care

  • Follow established procedures to ensure decontamination completion

  • Place sterile items in appropriate areas for distribution, ensuring the items are accurately labeled by department

Benefits (For full time or part time positions):

  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development

  • Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Free Parking

  • Wellness Program Savings Plan

  • Health Savings Account Options

  • Retirement Options with Company Match

  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay

  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.  

When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.

Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to “help everyone in our communities be their best”. 

Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is at the core of who we are; being there for our patients and each other with compassion, respect and empathy. We believe that our strength resides in our differences and in connecting our best to provide community-connected healthcare for all.

EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor. 


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