ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surgical Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Instrument Repair Company

Be Seen First

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician -- Cincinnati/Dayton, OH Territory: Cincinnati/Dayton, OH Note: This is a field-based role. Daily travel is required throughout the Cincinnati and Dayton, OH ...

Surgical Instrument Repair Company

Be Seen First

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician

Dayton, OH · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician -- Cincinnati/Dayton, OH Territory: Cincinnati/Dayton, OH Note: This is a field-based role. Daily travel is required throughout the Cincinnati and Dayton, OH ...

Carteret Health Care

Surgical Tech

Morehead City, NC · On-site

Supervises Surgical Instrument Technician and OR Attendants. Responsible to Registered Nurse (circulator) and Director of Surgical Services. * DEFINITION OF POSITION * The Surgical Technologist is a ...

Carteret Health Care

Surgical Tech

Morehead City, NC · On-site

Supervises Surgical Instrument Technician and OR Attendants. Responsible to Registered Nurse (circulator) and Director of Surgical Services. * DEFINITION OF POSITION * The Surgical Technologist is a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSurgical Instrument Technician Jobs

Surgical Instrument Technician information

See salary details

$5

$20

$28

How much do surgical instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical instrument technician in the United States is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Surgical Instrument Technicians?

Surgical Instrument Technicians, also known as sterile processing technicians or central service technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and maintaining surgical instruments and equipment. They ensure that all tools are properly prepared for surgeries to prevent infection and support patient safety. Their work is essential to the smooth operation of surgical teams and healthcare facilities.

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

To thrive as a Surgical Instrument Technician, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, instrument sterilization, and infection control, often supported by a certificate in sterile processing or surgical technology. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and proper handling of surgical tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safety and efficiency of surgical teams and help prevent infections or procedural delays in healthcare environments.

What is the highest paid surgical tech?

The highest paid surgical instrument technicians typically work in specialized or high-demand settings, such as hospitals with complex surgeries or in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can reach above $60,000 annually, especially for those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or supervisory roles. Factors like location, certifications, and years of experience influence top earnings in this field.

What are some common challenges Surgical Instrument Technicians face during a typical shift, and how can they effectively manage them?

Surgical Instrument Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing tight turnaround times for instrument sterilization, handling a high volume of cases, and ensuring the accuracy of instrument sets. To manage these, technicians must prioritize organization, maintain strong attention to detail, and communicate efficiently with operating room staff. Proactively checking for missing or damaged instruments and staying updated on new sterilization protocols can help prevent delays and maintain patient safety.

What is the difference between Surgical Instrument Technician vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Instrument TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification often preferred or required (e.g., CBET)Certification (CST) typically required
Work EnvironmentFocuses on sterilizing, maintaining, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssists during surgeries, prepares operating rooms
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, clinics

Both roles are vital in surgical settings, with the Surgical Instrument Technician specializing in instrument care and sterilization, while the Surgical Technologist assists directly during surgeries. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities and certifications.

What Does a Surgical Instrument Technician Do?

As a surgical instrument technician, you sterilize instruments for surgical procedures. Your responsibilities are to ensure that all equipment used by the surgeon and their assistants are clean for each session. You also prepare supplies on surgical trays to keep things organized. You might also sterilize additional tools for various hospital departments. Other duties include providing the surgeon with the tools they need during surgery, decontaminating various supplies, and cleaning IV pumps. You use washing, steam, gas, chemical, and ultrasonic systems to sterilize equipment. You also must document all of your duties.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing tech?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician typically requires relevant training or certification, attention to detail, and knowledge of sterilization procedures and equipment. Job availability can vary based on healthcare facility needs and regional demand, but entry-level positions are often accessible to those with proper training and a willingness to learn.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) requires completing an accredited surgical technology program and passing a certification exam. The process involves gaining hands-on experience and developing skills in sterile techniques and surgical procedures, which can take several months to years depending on the pathway chosen.
More about Surgical Instrument Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical Instrument Technician jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Instrument Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Instrument Technician jobs? The most popular types of Surgical Instrument Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Surgical Instrument Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Instrument Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Instrument Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Instrument Technician jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Surgical Instrument Technician jobs? For Surgical Instrument Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Surgical Instrument Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,763 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician

Surgical Instrument Repair Company

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Surgical Instrument Repair Technician — Cincinnati/Dayton, OH 


Territory: Cincinnati/Dayton, OH 


Note: This is a field-based role. Daily travel is required throughout the Cincinnati and Dayton, OH markets to provide on-site service to our hospital partners. 

The Right Team. The Right Feel. Right On Time. 


We firmly believe that Precision Saves Lives. When surgeons are in the operating room, successful outcomes are non-negotiable—they need their instruments to work and feel exactly the way they expect. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, we've become the seasoned professionals hospitals trust to ensure their instruments are ready when lives are on the line. 

We're a fast-growing company that prioritizes treating our employees with respect, encouraging open communication, and offering a collaborative environment backed by a competent structure. Here, you aren't just a technician—you're a vital part of a team whose work directly impacts patient safety. 


The Opportunity 

We're seeking a mechanically inclined SurgicalInstrument Repair Technician to join our service team. You'll work from a fully equipped service van, providing same-day instrument service and preventive maintenance to hospitals within a defined territory. Prior industry experience is preferred but not required—we'll provide extensive hands-on training for the right candidate. 


What You Will Do 

Precision Restoration: Perform high-level sharpening, alignment, and repair of surgical instruments. 

Transparent Reporting: Working to the standards of our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system, you'll provide detailed service reporting—including magnified "before and after" photos—so customers have a clear understanding of every service visit. Accountability: Take personal ownership of every instrument you service, understanding that small nuances in a tool's performance can make the difference in a successful surgery.


Why Join Us? 

Competitive Compensation: $27–$30/hour depending on experience, plus eligibility for performance-based commission—your earnings grow as you do. Growth & Stability: Join a growing and respected leader in the surgical instrument repair industry with a clear career progression path. 

A Collaborative Atmosphere: Experience a workplace that functions as a team, valuing each member's contributions as we grow together toward a shared mission. Full Benefits: Medical, vision, and dental benefits, plus PTO that accrues from day one. 


Requirements 

Mechanical Aptitude: High manual dexterity and experience with small hand tools (e.g., small engine repair, electronics, jewelry, machining, or military technical roles). Attention to Detail: An obsession with quality and the ability to spot fine details in how an instrument works. 

Professionalism: Excellent communication skills and respect for all customers and team members. 

Logistics: High school diploma/GED, a valid driver's license with a clean record, and the ability to pass a DOT physical. 

Coachability: Willingness and enthusiasm to learn, hone, and master new skills.