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Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under ... Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. Certifications: Must have one of the following ...

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Sterile Processing Tech information

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$12

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$40

How much do sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing tech in Columbia, SC is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $30.67 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Sterile Processing Tech jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Sterile Processing Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,905 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech II

MUSC

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


MUSC Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description Summary

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under general supervision of the department manager, shift supervisor or designee, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of instruments in compliance with medical center policies and procedures, state, local and federal requirements.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC003776 COL - Central Sterile Processing (NMC)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-23

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Entity/Organization:  MUHA (Medical University Hospital Authority/Medical Center) 

FLSA Status: Hourly 

Hours Per Week: 40 

Job Description/Summary:  

The Sterile Processing Technician reports to the Manager of Sterile Processing. Under general supervision of the department manager, shift supervisor or designee, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of instruments in compliance with medical center policies and procedures, state, local and federal requirements. 

Minimum Training and Education: Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination. Possess ability to understand and implement a variety of detailed instructions in the execution of processes. Applicant must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Basic computer skills required. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure health care environment required. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Detail-oriented required. Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. 

Certifications: Must have one of the following certification from IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management). CRCST - HSPA ( Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution).   

Physical Requirements:  Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous) Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent) Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) 

  

Additional Job Description

Minimum Training and Education: Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Graduate of high school or GED equivalency examination. Possess ability to understand and implement a variety of detailed instructions in the execution of processes. Applicant must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Basic computer skills required. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure health care environment required. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Detail-oriented required. Minimum of 1 year experience as SPD Tech. 

Certifications: Must have one of the following certification from IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management). CRCST - HSPA ( Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution).   

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees


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About MUSC Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MUSC is located in Charleston, SC, frequently named one of the best places in America to live. If charming, historic, vibrant, cultural, and coastal are adjectives that you find appealing, it's all here. In Charleston, you might find yourself dining at a world class restaurant tonight and relaxing on a boat as you explore our many waterways tomorrow. You might stroll along cobblestone streets, amidst centuries old homes by day and attend a jazz concert by night. Charleston is a place where you can live your life to its fullest.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charleston, SC, US

Year founded

1824