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Surgical Instrument Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Instrument Maker information

See salary details

$13

$20

$36

How much do surgical instrument maker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical instrument maker in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Instrument Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Instrument Maker, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a background in precision machining or metalworking, usually supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with specialized tools such as lathes, milling machines, and quality control systems, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is crucial. Keen problem-solving abilities, meticulousness, and effective communication skills help ensure accuracy and collaboration within production teams. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality surgical instruments that meet strict safety and performance standards required in medical settings.

What are some common challenges faced by surgical instrument makers, and how can they be overcome?

Surgical instrument makers often face challenges such as maintaining extreme precision, adhering to strict quality standards, and working with delicate or specialized materials. Meeting tight deadlines while ensuring that every instrument meets rigorous regulatory and safety requirements can also be demanding. These challenges can be managed by developing strong attention to detail, staying updated on industry standards, and collaborating closely with quality assurance teams. Additionally, continuous skill development and embracing new manufacturing technologies can help surgical instrument makers excel in their roles.

What are Surgical Instrument Makers?

Surgical Instrument Makers are skilled professionals who design, manufacture, maintain, and repair the specialized tools and instruments used in surgical procedures. They work with a variety of materials, such as stainless steel and titanium, to create precise and durable instruments that meet strict medical standards. Their expertise is essential to ensure that surgeons have reliable and sterile tools during operations, which can directly impact patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Surgical Instrument Maker vs Surgical Instrument Repair Technician?

AspectSurgical Instrument MakerSurgical Instrument Repair Technician
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in instrument manufacturingTechnical training, certifications in repair and maintenance
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, workshopsHospitals, repair shops, service centers
Employer & IndustryMedical device manufacturers, surgical instrument companiesHospitals, surgical centers, medical equipment service providers
Common Search IntentCreating new surgical instrumentsRepairing and maintaining existing instruments

The main difference is that Surgical Instrument Makers focus on designing and manufacturing new surgical instruments, while Surgical Instrument Repair Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining existing instruments. Both roles require technical skills and certifications but serve different stages in the instrument lifecycle.

What cities are hiring for Surgical Instrument Maker jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Instrument Maker job openings:
What states have the most Surgical Instrument Maker jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Instrument Maker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surgical Instrument Maker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 34% Contract, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,428 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Surgical Instrument Maker - 1st shift

Surgical Instrument Maker - 1st shift

Steris Corporation

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


STERIS rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Summary
As a Surgical Instrument Maker you will be responsible for supporting manufacturing operations and produce quality product with efficiency and accuracy.
Shifts: 5:00am-3:30pm or 6:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday. No work on Fridays.
Benefits: Healthcare, Vision, Dental, 401K Match, Quarterly Bonuses, PTO, Company Holidays
What you will do as an Instrument Maker
  • Performs a variety of operations to meet specified dimensions and tolerances based on manufacturing documents including part prints, process routers and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
  • Will operate within the plant/shop safety rules and maintain good housekeeping practices.
  • Maintains quality and productivity levels during the manufacturing process.
  • Operates and adheres to general plant rules and policies governing workplace conduct, performance, EH&S policies and good documentation practices.
  • Maintains good housekeeping practices in his work area and the plant in general.
  • Works cohesively with others in a team environment.
  • Perform various operations in manufacture of surgical instruments under close to moderate supervision by an experienced Lead of Finisher of a higher position.
  • Operator will follow specific procedures and instructions to assemble component parts into finished goods while satisfying quality and production requirements.
  • Perform polishing/grinding operations utilizing stationary floor mounted equipment which requires leaning forward with arms extended over grinding motor from a sitting position for extended periods of time.
  • The primary work stance is sitting with limited standing, bending, or twisting required for the Instrument Maker.
  • Occasional movement of product weighing up to 50 pounds from one workstation to another.
  • Visual acuity adequate to detect subtle visual product non-conformities.
  • Basic math
  • Capable of reading and interpreting part prints, pre-process control sheets/project routers, and can follow the procedures necessary to manufacture quality instruments.
  • Performance of operations which require finite motor skills, movement of hands in a rotary motion and good eye-hand coordination.
  • Consistently demonstrated quality productivity and proficiency across most families of instruments.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities
Required:
  • High school graduate/GED

What STERIS Offers
We Value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your heath, well-being, and financial future.
Here is just a brief overview of what we offer:
  • Market Competitive Pay
  • Extensive Paid Time Off and (9) added holidays
  • Long/short Term disability coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Maternity & Paternal Leave
  • Additional add-ons benefits/discounts for programs such as Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement and continues educations programs

Pay range for this opportunity is $18.90 - $24.46. This position is eligible for bonus participation.
Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.
STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio. Click here for a complete list of benefits: STERIS Benefits
Open until position is filled.
STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life sciences products and services around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.
If you need assistance completing the application process, please call 1 (440) 392.7047. This contact information is for accommodation inquiries only and cannot be used to check application status.
STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to ensure that persons are recruited, hired, trained, transferred and promoted in all job groups regardless of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also we are strongly bound by the principle of equal employment opportunity.
The full affirmative action program, absent the data metrics required by § 60-741.44(k), shall be available to all employees and applicants for employment for inspection upon request. The program may be obtained at your location's HR Office during normal business hours.

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