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Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Inova

Sterile Processing Technician Lead

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$24.17 - $39.40/hr

The Sterile Processing Tech Lead assembles complex trays and instrumentation accurately and efficiently. * Prioritizes instruments and uses critical thinking skills to provide solutions for OR needs.

Inova

Sterile Processing Technician Lead

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Sterile Processing Tech Lead assembles complex trays and instrumentation accurately and efficiently. * Prioritizes instruments and uses critical thinking skills to provide solutions for OR needs.

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Sterile Processing Tech information

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$14

$28

$45

How much do sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing tech in Silver Spring, MD is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $34.28 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 popular job titles related to Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Sterile Processing Tech jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Sterile Processing Tech jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Sterile Processing Tech job openings:

Sterile Processing Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Tech job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,118 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech II, PRN

Baltimore, MD • On-site

University of Maryland Medical System
See more jobs at University of Maryland Medical Systemexternal

$204K/yr

Per diem

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements
PRN as needed for shifts: cover evenings between the hours of 3P-11:30P
Under general supervision, prepares, sterilizes, stores and issues medical/surgical instruments, supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures. Performs and/or assists in decontamination and distribution of medical/surgical supplies, instruments and equipment.
The Sterile Processing Tech II must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, and specific individual diagnostic needs of the patients served in his/her department. He/she must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group (pediatric, adolescents and/or geriatric patient group, culture and diagnostic specific).
Consistently expresses and demonstrates compassion and courtesy for patients. Extends courtesy and support to patient's families/visitors
  • Communication/ Collaboration- Works effectively with surgical and anesthesia team to assure surgical instrumentation and equipment availability for scheduled surgical procedures while using customer service skills. Uses verbal, interpersonal and teamwork skills to provide assistance to team members in a cohesive manner. Demonstrates a positive attitude in the work environment.
  • Fire in the OR - Able to accurately assess and monitor environment for potential hazards resulting in a flammable event. Maintains safety of the Operating Room and surrounding area during daily practice. Follows policy and procedure as well as all regulatory requirements for Fire safety. Attends inservices, watches video, successfully completes written testing, responds appropriately to Fire drill, and/or participates in competency marathon on an annual basis.
  • Care of implants - Maintains safe practices and safe environment involving the care of implants. Follows recommended procedures and precautions for sterilization and care/cleaning of implant during any surgical procedure. Keeps current knowledge and/or update skills by attending inservices, seminars, successfully passing written testing and education for the care of implants on a yearly basis.
  • Respect for individuals, Customer Service, Teamwork and Collaboration:
  • Models excellence in customer service.
  • Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate instrumentation and surgical case information to members of the surgical team
  • Identifies and addresses potential breeches in patient information management and confidentiality (HIPPA) issues.
  • Serves as a collaborative resource within surgical services.
  • Percepts, mentors, and provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
  • Provides performance feedback as requested within peer review systems.
  • Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
  • Serves as a positive team leader through initiative, involvement, and availability.
  • Leadership, Clinical and/or Technical Skills:
  • Recognizes and acts on all potential or actual equipment and or instrumentation problems. Demonstrates diligent adherence to cleaning and sterilization processes.
  • Models critical thinking and clinical competency related to surgical instrumentation and equipment requirements related to procedure performed
  • Performs and/or assists with decontamination activities which render supplies sterile and safe for handling in accordance with department standards and generally accepted decontamination practices.
  • Inspects, assembles and prepares instrumentation for sterilization in accordance with established sterile processing practices and standards.
  • Appropriately labels instruments and sets
  • Wraps instruments in appropriate packaging
  • Operates steam sterilizers and related equipment; loads and unloads instruments properly; recognizes equipment malfunctions and reports to supervisor immediately.
  • Dispenses instruments/equipment to surgical team.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Quality and Patient Safety:
  • Demonstrates diligence in ensuring the safety of the clinical environment.
  • Demonstrates knowledge, practice, and accountability for compliance with the TJC National Patient Safety Goals.
  • Detects, reports, and takes action to avoid or correct safety risks.
  • Uses safe practices transporting instruments from OR rooms, decontamination room and the sterilization room.
  • Cost Effectiveness:
  • Modifies work practices, as directed by team leader and Clinical Coordinator, in response to industry trends and changes in sterile processing methods and standards.
  • Employs practices that improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
  • Effectively sets priorities and demonstrates time management skills.
  • Adheres to scheduled shifts in compliance with staffing targets and guidelines.
  • Assists in identifying new technologies that reduce the cost of care or improve patient outcomes.
  • Independently completes written requests for time off and exception forms for unanticipated schedule changes.
  • Education and Research:
  • Assumes responsibility for maintaining competency and recertification.
  • Addresses learning needs of self.
  • Attends required in-services and staff meetings.
  • Completes required written training exercises.

Work Experience
  • Completion of high school level of course work with attainment of a high school diploma or State High School Equivalency Certificate (GED). Demonstrated progress toward certification within one year is required.
  • A minimum of one year Central Sterile Processing experience or successful completion of a recognized OR Central Sterile program is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of the use of a PC and computerized database system or demonstrated ability to learn within one year.
  • Ability to read, write, speak English and perform simple mathematical operations for inventory purposes, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to follow detailed written or verbal instructions accurately.
  • Ability to operate potentially hazardous sterilizing equipment and related equipment.
  • Ability to learn new concepts and techniques and to transfer knowledge into performance regarding such items as basic principles of microbiology, infection control, safety and computerized recordkeeping to assist supervisor with tracking inventory levels.
  • Ability to stand and walk, each approximately 50% of the time in the process of operating equipment, arranging instrument trays and equipment carts, conducting inventory of and dispensing supplies. Ability to lift equipment up to no more than 50 pounds to load carts. Ability to push/pull carts of instruments, supplies and/or equipment.
  • Ability to handle potentially hazardous materials, such as high temperatures of steam, decontamination chemicals and sharp instruments in the decontamination and sterilization process.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary in order to work with various clinical personnel, resolve problems and to properly identify and label supplies for inventory purposes.
  • Highly effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures are necessary. Verbal communication skills may include communicating with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families. Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts, reports and logs.
  • Demonstrate ability to safely operate and routine care and cleaning of 444 washer.
  • Demonstrates UNIVERSAL precautions.
  • Demonstrates ability to operate steam sterilizer including documentation, loading , unloading and safety.
  • Demonstrates ability to operate Sterrad sterilizer including documentation, loading, unloading and safety.
  • Demonstrate ability to interpret results of Bowie Dick, biological test pack , mechanical print outs and Sterrad biological.
  • Demonstrates care and handling of instruments including cleanliness, and proper function.
  • Appropriately labels instruments and sets.
  • Wraps instruments in appropriate packaging.

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