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Surgical Instruments Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Certified Surgical Tech

Lombard, IL · On-site

$28 - $39.25/hr

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Certified Surgical Tech

Lombard, IL · On-site

$28 - $39.25/hr

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Prepares instruments and equipment for central sterilization department, and safely removes sharps ... Considerable knowledge of basic Labor and Delivery process, surgical instruments and their proper ...

Prepares instruments and equipment for central sterilization department, and safely removes sharps ... Considerable knowledge of basic Labor and Delivery process, surgical instruments and their proper ...

Prepares instruments and equipment for central sterilization department, and safely removes sharps ... Considerable knowledge of basic Labor and Delivery process, surgical instruments and their proper ...

Prepares instruments and equipment for central sterilization department, and safely removes sharps ... Considerable knowledge of basic Labor and Delivery process, surgical instruments and their proper ...

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and ...

Surgical Tech

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This role is responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging and handling surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff during various surgical procedures.

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Surgical Instruments information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$742

$1.9K

$3K

How much do surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical instruments in Chicago, IL is $1,939.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,446.15 and $2,376.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the highest paid surgical techs?

Highest-paid surgical technologists typically work in specialized surgical settings or in regions with higher cost of living, earning salaries above the national average. Factors such as experience, certifications, and working in urban hospitals or specialized surgical centers can increase earning potential. Salaries for top earners can exceed $50,000 to $60,000 annually.

What is a Surgical Instruments job?

A Surgical Instruments job involves managing, sterilizing, and maintaining medical tools used in surgeries. Professionals in this role ensure that instruments are properly cleaned, organized, and in good condition for procedures. They may work in hospitals, surgical centers, or medical supply companies, supporting surgeons and healthcare teams. This job requires attention to detail, knowledge of sterilization techniques, and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Is it hard to become a CST?

Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) requires completing an accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 9 months to 2 years, and passing the national certification exam. The process involves gaining hands-on experience in surgical settings and maintaining certification through continuing education. It requires technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

How much do surgical techs make an hour?

Surgical technologists in South Carolina typically earn between $15 and $22 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. The average hourly wage is around $18, with some facilities offering higher pay for specialized skills or overtime.

What are the 14 surgical specialties?

Surgical instruments are used across various specialties, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, ENT (ear, nose, throat), urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, colorectal surgery, and transplant surgery. Each specialty requires specific instruments tailored to procedures performed within that field. Knowledge of these specialties helps surgical instrument technicians and professionals understand the tools needed for different surgical procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Surgical Instruments position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Surgical Instruments role, you need a solid understanding of medical device handling, instrument identification, and sterilization procedures, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology or a related field. Familiarity with autoclaves, surgical instrument tracking systems, and infection control protocols is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are highly valued soft skills. These competencies ensure instruments are properly maintained and available, directly supporting patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working with surgical instruments?

Individuals working with surgical instruments are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing instruments before surgical procedures, as well as organizing trays and ensuring all necessary tools are present and in good condition. They often work closely with surgical technologists, nurses, and surgeons to facilitate smooth procedures and quickly respond to any last-minute needs in the operating room. Regular inventory checks, proper documentation, and adherence to strict sterilization protocols are also part of daily tasks. This role is fast-paced and highly collaborative, ensuring operations run efficiently and safely.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Instruments jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Surgical Instruments jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Instruments jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Instruments jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Surgical Instruments job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,830 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologist

Houston Methodist

Willowbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Houston Methodist rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 293 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

This is a full time, day shift position scheduled to work Monday-Friday in Outpatient Surgery.
At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Technologist position requires novice to competent knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. This position records data established by policy and procedure and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse. The Surgical Technologist position, under the direction of the surgeon, assists the surgeon and/or surgical assistant during the operative procedure by carrying out tasks including but not limited to sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, and holding retractors. This position provides general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel. The Surgical Technologist position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices, relationship-centered care in concert with the Houston Methodist values.FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
  • Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency

EXPERIENCE
  • None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Certification: CST or CSA or TS-C and
  • BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system
  • Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology
  • Knowledge of surgical procedures, case progression, pertinent observations, and possible complications
  • Demonstrates knowledge and competent use of procedure equipment and instruments sets and use of various surgical instruments
  • Demonstrates knowledge of surgical supplies, use of and restocking of supplies
  • Demonstrates appropriate skills of sterile technique
  • Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Establishes a working relationship with all members of the operating room team and interprofessional health care team, based on trust, honesty, confidence and respect to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with the interprofessional health care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Contributes to a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment.
  • Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assists in prepping room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Gathers all instruments and supplies for each assigned procedure and ensures that the set-up is ready before surgeon scrubs.
  • Supports the surgeon during surgical procedures, performing the surgical tech role in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to, as appropriate: orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.
  • Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
  • Accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares the operating room for surgical procedures, ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely. Assists with the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies following surgical procedure.
  • Maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique.
  • Reports observed variances in practices, established hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards to department management, reporting near misses.
  • Contributes towards meeting hospital and department quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, and collaborating with the interprofessional health care team.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
  • Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.
  • Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond novice competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: Yes
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): No

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* Yes

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Work Shift:
1 - Day (United States of America)
Job Category:
Non-clinicalHouston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women's services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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