8 of the Best Types of Sterile Processing Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Sterile Processing jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Sterile Processing Jobs

• Sterile Processing Manager

  Salary range: $59,500 - $102,000

  The qualifications to be a sterile processing manager vary, but often include a degree in healthcare administration and experience working in a surgical environment, often as a sterile processing technician. Many states require certification to work as a technician or manager, which is offered The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution. A manager is in charge of the sterilization of surgical instruments, and typical job duties include keeping operating rooms stocked, cleaning medical equipment, verifying that supplies have proper packing, keeping documentation, and managing technicians. People in this position typically work in a hospital or outpatient clinic.

• Director Sterile Processing

  Salary range: $59,500 - $102,000

  A director is a low-level executive in a company or organization that is responsible for a particular project, region, or division. A director of a company is employed to manage the day-to-day business activities of a group or division within an organization. There are different types of directors, but they are all tasked with leading others and meeting the goals of the organization. Directors plan, execute and manage to reach a goal. For example, the sales director would oversee the sales for a particular product or area. An HR director would be tasked with screening applicants and hiring the right candidates, making sure to comply with all employment laws and settling any personnel issues.

• Per Diem Sterile Processing

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Sterile Processing Coordinator

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  Coordinators plan and schedule events, programs, or projects. In this position, you can work in a variety of industries, so your duties and the necessary qualifications vary by field. There are project coordinators who work in the construction, manufacturing, and development industries, program coordinators, who typically work in education, community outreach, or non-profit organizations, and numerous other positions that require significant coordination experience. For those who work in labor industries, coordination might include developing timetables and budgets for the ordering and delivery of materials or services, while at a school, an instructional coordinator might prepare an afterschool program curriculum.

• Sterile Processing Apprentice

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  Sterile Processing Apprentice is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Sterile Processing Apprentice jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $69,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Sterile Processing Apprentice job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Sterile Processing Trainee

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Entry Level Sterile Processing

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

• Sterile Processing Internship

  Salary range: $41,500 - $69,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.