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Surgical Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zeiss Inc

Surgical Instrument Technician

Wildwood, MO · On-site

Preferred 2+ years minimum Surgical instrument manufacturing experience * Experience with general manufacturing processes * Assessment of skills will be part of the training process * Ability to ...

ZEISS

Surgical Instrument Technician

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

Hand-finishing manufacturing of surgical instruments, specifically bipolar forceps. Sound ... Preferred 2+ yearsminimumSurgical instrument manufacturing experience * Experience with general ...

ZEISS

Surgical Instrument Technician

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

Preferred 2+ years minimum Surgical instrument manufacturing experience * Experience with general manufacturing processes * Assessment of skills will be part of the training process * Ability to ...

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How much do surgical instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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 is a surgical instrument technician?

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 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.

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 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.

Where do surgical instrument technicians make the most money?

Surgical instrument technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare demand, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. States or cities with a higher concentration of healthcare facilities and specialized surgical services generally offer increased compensation for this role. Experience, certifications, and working in well-funded hospitals can also influence earning potential.
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Surgical Instrument Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,763 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Surgical Instrument Technician

St Mary's Healthcare Amsterdam

Amsterdam, NY • On-site

$20.23 - $27.06/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

St. Mary's Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary's Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare organization offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. St. Mary's Healthcare has also been named a 2026 Times Union Top Workplace-the first acute care hospital in the Capital Region to earn the distinction since the Times Union launched the recognition program 15 years ago.
Job Requisition: SURGI001896
Employment Type: Full Time
Shift: Days & Weekends
Hours Per Week: 36 hour/week
Location: Main Hospital Campus
Hiring Range: $20.23- $27.06 hourly
Below are the shift differentials based on eligible shifts worked:
  • Weekday evening shift - additional 10%
  • Weekday night shift - additional 15%
  • Weekend day shift - additional 10%
  • Weekend evening & night shifts - additional 21%

The actual compensation for this position will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
Responsibilities:
  • Decontamination: Safely handle contaminated instruments, wash them (manually and/or mechanically), and disinfect them to remove gross soil and biological debris following their manufacturer's instructions for use.
  • Inspection & Assembly: Check instruments for biological debris, damage or wear, and arrange them in accordance with their specific instrument layouts for surgical kits.
  • Sterilization: Load packaged instruments into sterilizers (autoclaves) that use extreme heat, pressure, and steam to kill bacteria and spores.
  • Sterile Storage & Distribution: Ensure sterilized items are stored properly and delivered to the operating room and clinics when needed.
  • Documentation & Compliance: Keep detailed logs of sterilization cycles, temperatures, and inventory levels to maintain strict safety and regulatory standards. Inspect equipment for functionality and arrange maintenance or repair as needed. Organize sterile storage areas and monitor instrument expiration dates. Collaborate with OR staff to ensure instruments are prepared timely. Participate in quality improvement activities and adhere to all infection control standards.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all medical and organizational information

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None

Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training & Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Previous work experience in Sterile Processing preferred

Certifications / Licensure:
  • Central Sterile Certification, through a nationally accredited agency preferred. You must obtain Central Sterile Certification through a nationally accredited agency within 18 months of date of hire. Must complete annual continuing education requirements to maintain Central Sterile Certification.

Required Skills and Attributes:
  • Ability to organize and establish day-to-day priorities while using critical thinking skills in all aspects of the job.
  • Must be able to multitask while remaining professional, focused, composed and positive.
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Displays integrity, friendliness, and compassion.
  • Must be able to establish an appropriate and effective rapport with others.
  • Demonstrates flexibility
  • Takes initiative
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Embrace new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
  • Effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient with various Microsoft Office products (Word and Excel).
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to take and follow direction in a positive and appropriate manner.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
  • Must be able to demonstrate effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be able to speak, read, write and follow instructions in English.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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