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Trauma Cleaner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ensure a safe, clean, and child-friendly environment while supporting infection prevention standards. * Participate in pediatric codes, trauma activations, and disaster/emergency preparedness events.

Ensure a safe, clean, and child-friendly environment while supporting infection prevention standards. * Participate in pediatric codes, trauma activations, and disaster/emergency preparedness events.

Ensure a safe, clean, and child-friendly environment while supporting infection prevention standards. * Participate in pediatric codes, trauma activations, and disaster/emergency preparedness events.

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Trauma Cleaner information

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$10

$16

$21

How much do trauma cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trauma cleaner in Washington is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trauma cleaner?

Trauma cleaners are professionals who specialize in cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring areas where traumatic events such as accidents, unattended deaths, crimes, or biohazard incidents have occurred. Their work involves the safe removal of hazardous materials like blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious substances, ensuring the affected locations are safe for future use. Trauma cleaners follow strict health and safety regulations, use specialized equipment, and often provide compassionate support to clients dealing with difficult situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trauma cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trauma Cleaner, you need knowledge of biohazard handling, cleaning protocols, and OSHA regulations, typically supported by relevant training or certification in hazardous waste removal. Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE), industrial cleaning agents, and specialized disinfection tools is essential. Emotional resilience, strong attention to detail, and discretion are vital soft skills for managing sensitive and distressing situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe, thorough cleanup and provide respectful service to clients in challenging circumstances.

What are some common challenges trauma cleaners face on the job, and how are they supported in handling them?

Trauma cleaners often encounter emotionally difficult situations, such as cleaning after accidents, crimes, or unattended deaths. The work can be physically demanding and requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent exposure to biohazards. Many companies provide specialized training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and access to counseling or support services to help employees cope with the emotional toll. Teamwork is also emphasized, as trauma cleaners typically work in pairs or small groups for safety and mutual support.

Is a trauma cleaner a real job?

Yes, a trauma cleaner is a real profession involving cleaning and sanitizing scenes of trauma, accidents, or crime. The job requires specialized training, safety equipment, and often involves handling biohazardous materials in challenging environments.

How do you become a trauma cleaner?

To become a trauma cleaner, individuals typically need to have strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to handle sensitive situations. Relevant training or certifications in biohazard cleanup and safety procedures are often required, and experience in cleaning or healthcare can be beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Trauma Cleaner jobs in Washington? For Trauma Cleaner jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Trauma Cleaner job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,867 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Sterile Processing - Night Shift

Howard University Hospital

Washington, DC • On-site

$19.47 - $31.16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Howard University Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

255th of 1,058 rated hospitals


Job description

Description
About the Role
Howard University Hospital is seeking a dedicated Sterile Processing Technician to join our Perioperative Services team. In this role, you will play a critical part in patient safety by ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are properly decontaminated, assembled, sterilized, and ready for use across the hospital. You will work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment supporting a Level 1 Trauma Center, where your attention to detail directly impacts the quality of care our patients receive.
What You'll Do
  • Perform decontamination, assembly, sterilization, case cart preparation, instrument processing, and supply inventory duties in strict compliance with AORN, SGNA, AAMI, OSHA, Joint Commission, and applicable regulatory standards.
  • Clean and operate decontamination and sterilization equipment, including steam autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and washer-disinfectors, per manufacturer and hospital guidelines.
  • Process rigid and flexible endoscopes and power equipment per manufacturer specifications.
  • Inspect, check, and assemble procedure trays and instrument sets for accuracy and completeness.
  • Prepare case carts for scheduled and add-on surgical cases.
  • Receive, track, and return loaner instruments in accordance with departmental policy.
  • Conduct daily biological indicator and verification tests, documenting results and escalating failures per protocol.
  • Maintain inventory of peel packs and sterile supplies, restocking to par levels.
  • Maintain accurate records of sterile processing functions to support Quality Assurance and regulatory standards.
  • Report incidents, injuries, and equipment malfunctions to the Team Leader or manager.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Sterile Processing Technician certification required; candidates without current certification must obtain Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification through HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM), or equivalent certification through CBSPD, within one (1) year of hire.
  • Knowledge of anatomy fundamentals, sterilization procedures, surgical procedures, and aseptic techniques.
  • Working knowledge of medical and surgical terminology.
  • Ability to operate steam autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and related equipment.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
  • Basic computer skills and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous sterile processing experience (preferred).

Position Details
DepartmentPerioperative ServicesReports ToSterile Processing ManagerScheduleFull-Time | Night Shift | 11:00 PM - 7:30 AMFLSA StatusNon-ExemptUnionLocal 2094
Pay & Schedule
This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.47 - $31.16/hr, in accordance with the applicable CBA wage schedule and based on experience and qualifications.
About Howard University Hospital
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 - when it operated as Freedmen's Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere - HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
What We Offer
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Tuition remission of up to two courses per semester
  • Employee assistance program and wellness resources

Compliance Statements
Culture of Care: In an effort to improve patient safety, Howard University Hospital (HUH) supports a Just Culture. This atmosphere of accountability promotes the identification of human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless behavior, with the goal of maintaining a culture for learning, safe systems, and well-managed behavioral choices.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact HUHLA@huhosp.org.
Pay Transparency: Howard University Hospital complies with the DC Pay Transparency Act and provides a good-faith pay range for this position as listed above.
Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

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