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Trainee Sterile Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Technician Location: Cherokee Nation Region Pay Rate: $1,300 To $1,400 / Week Contract: Contract Schedule: Day Shift, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM Experience: 3 years preferred About the Role ...

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Trainee Sterile Processing Technician information

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How much do trainee sterile processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee sterile processing technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee sterile processing technician?

A Trainee Sterile Processing Technician is an entry-level role in healthcare responsible for learning how to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments for surgeries and procedures. Under supervision, trainees follow strict infection control protocols to ensure patient safety. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities, gaining hands-on experience with sterilization techniques and equipment management. This role serves as a stepping stone to becoming a certified Sterile Processing Technician, often requiring on-the-job training and certification exams. It is an essential position in maintaining sterile environments and supporting medical teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a trainee sterile processing technician?

As a Trainee Sterile Processing Technician, your daily responsibilities include sorting, cleaning, sterilizing, and assembling medical instruments and equipment according to strict protocols. You will inspect instruments for cleanliness and damage, operate sterilization machines, and maintain accurate records of processed equipment. You’ll work closely with surgical staff, nurses, and other team members to ensure that properly sterilized instruments are available when needed. This role is fast-paced and requires a strong attention to detail to maintain high standards of infection prevention and patient safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the trainee sterile processing technician position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Sterile Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, knowledge of infection control procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, autoclaves, and adherence to relevant certifications such as Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is often required or encouraged. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in supporting healthcare staff and maintaining workflow. These skills are crucial to ensuring medical instruments are safely processed, minimizing infection risks, and supporting healthcare teams in delivering quality patient care.

How fast can you become a trainee sterile processing technician?

Becoming a trainee sterile processing technician typically involves completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or a certification program that can last from a few weeks to several months. Some employers may require certification, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), which can be obtained in a few weeks through training courses. The timeline depends on the individual's prior experience, training program availability, and employer requirements.

How to be a sterile processing technician with no experience?

To become a sterile processing technician with no experience, you can start by completing a formal training program or certification in sterile processing, which covers sterilization techniques, infection control, and equipment handling. Employers often provide on-the-job training, so demonstrating attention to detail, reliability, and a willingness to learn can help you secure an entry-level position. Certification from organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) can improve your job prospects.

Is it hard to get hired as a Trainee Sterile Processing Technician?

Getting hired as a Trainee Sterile Processing Technician can be competitive, but many employers offer entry-level training programs for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of sterilization procedures, and the ability to work in a healthcare environment; certifications like the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) can improve job prospects.
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Infographic showing various Trainee Sterile Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician or Sterile Processing Technician Trainee (6:30am-3:00pm)

La Crosse, WI • On-site


Gundersen Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


$19.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

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


Job description

Love + medicine is who we are, it's what we do, it's why people want to work here. If you're looking for a job to love, apply today.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Sterile Processing Technician | Sterile Processing Technician Trainee
Emplify Health by Gundersen is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician or Sterile Processing Technician Trainee to join our Central Services team in La Crosse, WI.
Whether you're an experienced Sterile Processing Technician or looking to start a healthcare career through our paid training program, this is opportunity plays a critical role in patient safety and infection prevention while building valuable skills in a growing field.
Emplify Health by Gundersen is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician or Sterile Processing Technician Trainee to join our Central Services team. This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience in a critical role that directly impacts patient safety and infection prevention.
Why This Role Matters
Behind every successful procedure is a team ensuring instruments and equipment are safe, sterile, and ready for patient care. As a Sterile Processing Technician, you'll help protect patients, support clinical teams, and contribute to exceptional healthcare outcomes every day.
Location: Main Campus, La Crosse, WI
Department: Sterile Processing
Employment: Full-Time (1.0 FTE, 40 hours/week)
Shift: Monday- Friday, 6:30AM - 3:00 PM, Holiday rotation
What You'll Do
  • Decontaminate and clean medical instruments
  • Perform sterilization processes
  • Assemble and package surgical instruments
  • Manage storage and distribution of supplies and equipment

You'll also gain exposure to:
  • Infection prevention protocols
  • Quality and safety standards
  • The full sterile processing lifecycle

No sterile processing experience? We offer a paid trainee pathway with on-the-job training and support to help you develop the skills needed for a successful career.
What You'll Get:
  • Competitive starting pay of $19.05/hour, with additional compensation based on experience
  • Trainee starting pay of $17.75/hour, with a wage increase upon successful completion of training
  • Generous shift differential.
  • Opportunities for career growth through our Career Development Center and Tuition Investment Program.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits and a top-rated retirement plan.
  • Supportive departmental leadership focused on helping you excel in your role.
  • A healthy work/life balance in a community you'll love to call home.

What You'll Need:
  • Sterile Processing Tech requirements: High School Diploma or equivalency AND completion of an approved surgical tech or sterile processing tech program OR High School Diploma or equivalency AND 1 or more years of sterile processing experience
  • Sterile Processing Tech Trainee requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a sterile processing cohort and/or sterile processing program within 6 months of hire (we provide the training program)
  • Strong attention to detail and reliability
  • Interest in a hands-on healthcare career
  • Sterile Processing experience preferred

Emplify Health is comprised of two of the Midwest's most respected healthcare systems, Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. Once neighbors, we are now partners, united in our mission to provide exceptional care to our communities. As a not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network, we have headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Our extensive network includes 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinics, serving 67 cities and rural communities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With over 4,500 dedicated nurses and providers, we are committed to delivering primary, specialty and emergency care, along with innovative medical education programs. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities.
If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact HR-Recruitment@gundersenhealth.org or call 608-775-0267.
We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values - belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility - our pillars set our foundation and our future.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Gundersen Health System logo

About Gundersen Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gundersen Health System is an award winning, physician-led, integrated healthcare system employing nearly 900+ clinicians. Our mission is to distinguish ourselves through excellence in patient care, education, research and improved health in the communities we serve. A rewarding practice and an excellent quality of life awaits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

La Crosse, WI, US

Year founded

1891


What Gundersen Health System employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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