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Surgical Instrument Technician Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

The CPD Technician is responsible for preparing instrumentation for use, maintaining quality ... Organizes and assembles routine and specialty surgical instrument trays and other sterilized ...

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$19

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How much do surgical instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical instrument technician in Philadelphia, PA is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Surgical Instrument Technician jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Surgical Instrument Technician jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Surgical Instrument Technician job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,869 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
LEAD CERT INSTRUMENT TECH (F/T, 40hrs | Evenings) TUH- Fox Chase Cancer Center

LEAD CERT INSTRUMENT TECH (F/T, 40hrs | Evenings) TUH- Fox Chase Cancer Center

Temple Health

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Temple University Health System rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Leads and directs the work activities of the Instrument Technicians related to CSP activities of specific services and programs. Assist Manager and Supervisor with trainings of employees. Receive, identify, disassemble, decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterile and distribute where applicable all reusable instruments and patient care equipment.

Supports the delivery of patient care by performing activities related to the processing and sterilization of instruments, equipment, and supplies for the department. Maintains appropriate inventory and performs various support duties within the OR.
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent Required
Experience
2 years experience in a CSR role Required
2 years experience in a specific area of focus including but limited to surgical instrumentation, information management, or department inventory record Required
Licenses
Cert Reg Central Service Tech Required or
Cert SPD Technician Required.


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About Temple Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Temple Health is a major Philadelphia-based academic health system that is driving medical advances through clinical innovation, pioneering research and world-class education. The health system’s 1,550+ physicians and scientists share a common mission of bringing tomorrow’s treatments to the bedside today, helping them achieve outcomes once thought impossible.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1995