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Sterile Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Technician Location: Cherokee Nation Region Pay Rate: $1,300 To $1,400 / Week Contract: Contract Schedule: Day Shift, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM Experience: 3 years preferred About the Role ...

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Sterile Processing Technician information

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How much do sterile processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Sterile Processing Technicians often face challenges such as managing high workloads during peak surgical periods, staying updated on evolving sterilization protocols, and ensuring absolute attention to detail to prevent contamination. Effective time management, continuous education on the latest standards, and strong communication with surgical and nursing staff are key strategies for managing these challenges. Working in a team-oriented environment also helps distribute tasks efficiently and maintain a consistently high standard of care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Technician, you need in-depth knowledge of infection control, sterilization procedures, and medical instrumentation, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, inventory management systems, and tracking software is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safety and collaboration with surgical teams. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, preventing infections, and supporting efficient healthcare delivery.

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 ASPT 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 is the difference between Sterile Processing Technician vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile supply, sterilization departmentsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments

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

What is a sterile processing technician?

Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and other medical procedures. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by ensuring that all reusable instruments are free of contaminants. Their work typically takes place in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics, where they follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Technicians also keep detailed records of instrument usage and maintenance, supporting overall patient safety.

What does a sterile processing technician do?

A Sterile Processing Technician, or sterile processing tech, is a health care professional who performs sterilization processes in the surgical environment. A Sterile Processing Technician uses specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe to use on the patient. They inventory and assess equipment and materials so that the surgical suite is prepared for each procedure.

What cities are hiring for Sterile Processing Technician jobs? Cities with the most Sterile Processing Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Technician jobs? The most popular types of Sterile Processing Technician jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Sterile Processing Technician jobs? The top employers for Sterile Processing Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Sterile Processing Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Sterile Processing Technician jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Sterile Processing Technician jobs? For Sterile Processing Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician

Kaleida Health

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Kaleida Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sterile Processing Technician
Department: BGMC Sterile Processing
Location: Buffalo General Medical Center
Location of Job: US:NY:Buffalo
Work Type: Full-Time
Scheduled Work Hours: 11a-7p, 12p-8p, 1p-9p, 2p-10p, 3p-11p, 4p-12a, 5p-1a
Shift 2
Job Description
The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for maintaining high standards for decontamination, assembly, inspecting, wrapping and sterilization of surgical instruments and medical equipment for Surgical Services and all Ancillary Departments. This includes working in conjunction with the OR staff to provide timely sterile products, trays and case carts where applicable. The Sterile Processing Technician maintains consistency and continuous workflow between the OR and Sterile Processing while practicing above average customer service.

Education And Credentials
High School Diploma or GED required. Completion of a Sterile Processing Technician program or Surgical Tech/OR program or have 1 year experience as a Sterile Processing Technician required. Upon hire/transfer - 10 hrs of Continuing Education Credits Annually required. . Effective 1/1/15, must obtain and maintain within 18 months of hire/transfer one of the following: (1) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Credential (CRCST), (2) Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician Credential (CSPDT) or (3) Certified Surgical Technologist credential. Employees hired/transferred prior to 1/1/2011 are grandfathered for the certification requirement as well as those hired/transferred into the position between 1/1/2011 and 1/1/2015 who have a cumulative period of one year as a Sterile Processing Technician. Otherwise, certification must be obtained by 6/30/16. (Regulatory Requirement). All Sterile Processing Technicians are mandated by the State to annually complete ten hours of continuing education credits to remain qualified to function as a Sterile Processing Technician. Active employees as of 12/31/14 have until 12/31/15 to obtain the continuing education credits. Employees hired/transferred 1/1/15 and after must obtain the continuing education credits by the end of their first year of employment.
Experience
1 year of experience in Sterile Processing or Surgical Tech experience preferred

Working Conditions
Essential:
* Weight Requirement - Heavy (up to 100 lbs)
Job Details
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 75.00
FTE: 1.000000
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: Yes
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U08 - SEIU 1199 BGH Service Workers
Requisition ID#: 22133
Grade: S5A
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $20.94 -$27.65
*Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Kaleida Health's mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission- critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and Kaleida Health envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. Kaleida Health is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!

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