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How much do sterile tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile tech in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is sterilization tech a good career?

Sterile tech, or sterile processing technician, is a vital role in healthcare that involves sterilizing and preparing medical instruments. It offers steady employment, requires attention to detail and certification, and can lead to advancement in healthcare support roles.

What is the difference between Sterile Tech vs Surgical Tech?

AspectSterile TechSurgical Tech
CertificationsTypically requires sterile processing or central sterile certificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments in sterile processing departmentsAssists in surgical procedures in operating rooms
Job ResponsibilitiesSterilizing instruments, maintaining sterile environment, inventory managementPreparing operating rooms, passing instruments, assisting surgeons

While both roles support surgical teams, Sterile Techs primarily handle sterilization and instrument prep, whereas Surgical Techs assist directly during surgeries. Both require knowledge of sterile procedures and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Sterile Techs and how can they be addressed?

Sterile Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols in fast-paced environments and managing high volumes of surgical instruments. To address these challenges, strong attention to detail, effective time management, and clear communication with surgical teams are crucial. Ongoing training and collaboration with supervisors can help Sterile Techs stay updated on best practices and minimize errors, ensuring patient safety and efficient workflow.

What are Sterile Techs?

Sterile Techs, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians or Central 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 ensure all surgical tools are free of contaminants and properly organized. Their work is essential for infection control and patient safety in hospitals and clinics. Sterile Techs typically work in hospital sterile processing departments, outpatient centers, or surgical centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sterile Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Tech, you need a solid understanding of sterilization procedures, infection control, and handling of surgical instruments, typically supported by a high school diploma and a Central Sterile Processing Technician certification (CRCST) or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking software, and inventory management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaboration with surgical teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining patient safety and supporting efficient surgical operations.
More about Sterile Tech jobs
What cities are hiring for Sterile Tech jobs? Cities with the most Sterile Tech job openings:
What states have the most Sterile Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Sterile Tech jobs include:
Sterile Tech jobs near you
Central Sterile Tech/UKHC

Central Sterile Tech/UKHC

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

$16.20 - $24.82/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Central Sterile Tech/UKHC Requisition Number RE54429 Working Title CST (Central Sterile Tech) Department Name H3320:Perioperative Services Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 06 Salary Range $16.20-24.82/hour Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

2 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
This position requires regularly lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); and intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time. Also involves risk of injuries from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste; radiation; burns; cuts/punctures; blood-borne or airborne pathogens; and recombinant DNA or viral vectors.
Shift
Monday - Friday 3:00p.m - 11:30p.m. with some on-call, along with holiday and/or weekend requirements.
Job Summary
UK Healthcare is seeking a Central Sterile Tech to operate as one of the most important team members in a hospital's arsenal - assisting our front-line workers during complex cases as well as those with high levels of acuity.
Our Central Sterile Techs are directly responsible for assembling and processing surgical instrument trays as well as decontaminating used instruments that assist in eliminating infections and maintaining supplies. The selected candidate will also be essential in answering unit phone calls, responding to OR requests, and maintaining cleanliness of the department/workstation.
Qualified candidates will have a good working knowledge of regulatory standards for universal precautions, sterilization methodologies, and regulatory standards for biological monitoring.

Applicants who possess the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) certification are eligible to be hired into a Central Sterile Tech/Certified/UKHC position, which is a grade 7 ($17.50/hour - $27.31/hour).

Applicants who are not certified at time of hire are eligible to receive a pay increase and be moved into the Certified, grade 7 role once certification has been obtained and 90 days of successful employment have been completed.

All pay rates will be based on candidate's experience. Certification is required for all new hires within 18 months of hire date.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of aseptic techniques following universal standard precautions; and knowledge of operating room instrumentation, processing technique, and equipment care. This person must adhere to UK Healthcare policies and must be able to read and follow manufacturer guidelines.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience
Central sterile experience preferred; current CRCST certification highly preferred.
Deadline to Apply 06/10/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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