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Surgical Processor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Process Analyst

Rochester, MN · On-site

$71K - $107K/yr

The Surgical Process Analyst works collaboratively with multiple groups within the Mayo system and serves as a point of contact. The Surgical Process Analyst develops or enhances process and ...

Surgical Process Technician Job Details Cleveland, OH Pay: $18.00/hour Shift: 2nd Shift (Mids) | 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM Position Type: Travel Contract Surgical Process Technician Requirements * High ...

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Surgical Processor information

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How much do surgical processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical processor in the United States is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical processor?

Surgical processors, also known as sterile processing technicians or central service technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and equipment. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring that all instruments used in surgeries and medical procedures are properly decontaminated and safe for patient use. Surgical processors work behind the scenes in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, following strict protocols to maintain a sterile environment. Their work is essential to the safety and success of surgical procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a surgical processor?

To thrive as a Surgical Processor, you need a solid understanding of sterile processing, instrument decontamination, and infection control, often supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and industry-standard protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for maintaining workflow and preventing errors. These qualifications and skills ensure surgical instruments are safe and ready for procedures, directly impacting patient safety and operating room efficiency.

What challenges might a surgical processor face in their daily work and how can they be addressed?

Surgical Processors often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical. Common challenges include managing high volumes of surgical instruments, ensuring strict adherence to sterilization protocols, and dealing with time-sensitive demands from the operating room. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, stay updated on the latest sterilization standards, and communicate effectively with surgical teams. Continuous training and teamwork can help ensure instruments are processed accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors.

What is the difference between Surgical Processor vs Surgical Technician?

AspectSurgical ProcessorSurgical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires certification such as Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Often requires CST or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, sterile processing departmentsOperating rooms, surgical departments, sterile processing
Primary ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing surgical instruments, preparing suppliesAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field
Industry UsageUsed in hospitals and surgical facilities for instrument sterilizationUsed in surgical settings for assisting surgeons and handling instruments

While both Surgical Processors and Surgical Technicians work in surgical environments and require similar certifications, Surgical Processors focus primarily on sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technicians assist directly during surgeries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within the surgical field.

More about Surgical Processor jobs

What cities are hiring for Surgical Processor jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Processor job openings:

What states have the most Surgical Processor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical Processor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Surgical Processor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,505 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Surgical Processing Educator

Overlake Medical Center and Clinics

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Overlake Medical Center rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Welcome to a medical center where you're the center of attention.

Pay range:

-

Salary$73,320.00 - $109,990.00

The Surgical Processing Educator is responsible for providing instruction and support on topics pertinent to Surgical Processing Technicians to include on-boarding new hires, annual competency, annual skills fair, ongoing skills assessments for new equipment's, standards and regulatory updates. Participates in hiring of new staff, assists in preparation for TJC and DOH surveys. Collaborate with Perioperative clinical educator to provide instruction and support for topics pertinent to clinical staffing that has impact on operations and involve Surgical Processing Department.

Full-time / 40 hours per week

Monday - Friday / Day shift

Qualifications

  • High school graduate or equivalent required.

  • Requires both the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) certifications obtained through an internationally recognized organization such as IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing) required. Current CRCST is required upon hire. If not currently CER certified, must obtain CER within six months of hire date.

  • Requires five years of experience in Sterile Processing Department with at least one year as an educator in a hospital setting.

Why join Overlake?

We're proud to offer benefits that support you in every stage of your career and life. But it's our inspirational culture that has made us one of America's Top 150 places to work in healthcare for several years in a row.

  • Local, visible leaders who care about you.
  • A values-based work environment.
  • Medical insurance premiums as low as $0 per month.
  • Many Overlake services covered at 100%.
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year.
  • Generous retirement plan matching starting at 5% and increasing to 7% after five years with immediate vesting.
  • Pre-tax and Roth after tax retirement savings plans.
  • An expanded Employee Assistance Program.
  • A caregiver support program to help with everything from childcare to eldercare.
  • Free parking and Orca transit passes.

If this sounds like an environment where you'll thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

How much will this job pay?

Posted pay ranges represent the entire pay scale, from minimum to maximum. For jobs with more than one level, the posted range reflects the minimum of the lowest level and the maximum of the highest level. Some positions also offer additional pay based on shift, certification or level of education. Job offers are determined based on a candidate's years of relevant experience and internal equity. If you have questions about Overlake's pay practices, employee benefits or the pay for a specific position, please contact HR@overlakehospital.org


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