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Surgical Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Surgical Instrument Technician jobs? For Surgical Instrument Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Surgical Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,763 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Instrument Technician, Sterile Processing, Northside Gwinnett

Instrument Technician, Sterile Processing, Northside Gwinnett

Northside Hospital Inc.

Lawrenceville, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Northside Hospital rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 425 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Northside Hospital is award-winning, state-of-the-art, and continually growing. Constantly expanding the quality and reach of our care to our patients and communities creates even more opportunity for the best healthcare professionals in Atlanta and beyond. Discover all the possibilities of a career at Northside today.


Disinfects, sterilizes, and assembles surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment.  Position is characterized by the ability to recognize surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays typically assembled in applicable area. 


REQUIRED

  • High school diploma or equivalent education (GED) or post-secondary education.
  • One (1) year experience as an Instrument Technician

PREFERRED

  • Central Service Technician Certification:
    • Inpatient sterile processing CRCST or CSPDT certification.
    • Outpatient sterile processing CRCST, CSPDT or CASSPT certification.
    • For GI Labs, CFER is acceptable.
  • Visual color acuity depending on the role in specific units

12p-12a
Yes

What Northside Hospital employees say

Pay

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Northside Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

* 288-bed hospital, offering a full range of services including comprehensive and interventional stroke care, preventative and corrective cardiac care, full-service orthopedic and spine treatment, an ER 24/7®, and general surgery * As one of the first hospitals in the area to achieve Atrial Fibrillation Certification (SCPC), our technologically advanced hospital allows our highly skilled physicians, nursing and caregivers to serve our growing community * Northside Hospital was the first nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pinellas County and nationally recognized for quality and safety by earning an 'A' rating from the Leapfrog Group

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

1970