1. What Does a Sterile Processing Technician Do?
A typical day as a sterile processing technician (SPT) involves many essential tasks. You clean, disinfect, sterilize, inspect, assemble and store an organization’s surgical instruments. You’ll work in central service (CS) departments, maintain quality control and keep rigorous documentation.
You’ll also follow the workplace and health standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
2. Why Sterile Processing Technician Is a Good Job in 2026
Certified SPTs are in demand because they play a critical role in infection control. The growing healthcare needs of the aging population also mean more people are needed to clean and maintain surgical instruments.
Along with job stability, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and benefits, many career advancement opportunities and meaningful work that supports team success and patient safety. These roles also see shorter training than other allied health careers, with quicker entry into the industry.
3. Salary & Job Outlook for Sterile Processing Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median sterile processing technician salary is about $45,280, with approximately 6% job growth. Entry-level SPTs earn about $34,020, while experienced SPTs see about $63,980 per year.
Consider where you want to work:
- Hospitals: avg $47,940
- Specialty hospitals: avg $55,300
- Outpatient care centers: avg $53,890
Top-paying states like California, Alaska, the District of Columbia and Delaware often see salaries around or exceeding $55,000.
- Los Angeles metro area: avg $57,090
- New York-New Jersey metro area: avg $54,180
- Dallas-Fort Worth metro area: avg $50,190
- Boston-Cambridge metro area: avg $53,920
Check local job listings to get a good idea of both pay and job availability in your area.
4. Potential Drawbacks to Consider
SPT roles are vital and in demand, but it helps to consider some of the potential drawbacks. While you’ll have steady work, it can be repetitive, physically demanding and production-focused. Cleaning medical equipment also means exposure to soiled instruments and bodily fluids. If you’re more interested in direct care roles, working as a sterile processing technician might not be a good fit because of limited patient interaction. However, if you thrive with process-driven work, this may be a great career to explore.
5. Who This Career Is Best For
SPT roles are a strong fit for people who:
- Are comfortable working with used medical instruments in controlled, safety-focused environments;
- Are methodical and detail-oriented;
- Like structure and clear protocols;
- Are comfortable with technical, behind-the-scenes work;
- Want to enter healthcare quickly and
- Value stability over daily variety.
6. MedCerts Training and Certification Pathway
Employers usually look for formal training and certification, especially the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential.
MedCerts’ flexible, online Sterile Processing Technician program trains you to become an SPT in 14 weeks. The course includes modules on professionalism, human anatomy and medical terminology and sterile processing fundamentals. You get interactive lessons and simulations, exam prep and student and career support to help you transition into healthcare. No prior healthcare experience is needed.
After completion, you’ll take the CRCST exam. Full certification requires 400 hours of hands-on clinical experience within 180 days. Paid or volunteer experience can be used to meet the total. Students are required to secure their own site for clinical requirements, but MedCerts’ Career Services team can provide resources to help with your search.
Prepare for Your Sterile Processing Career
Sterile processing technicians have steady wage growth and strong demand, with excellent opportunities to transition into higher-paying roles. Start strong in 2026 with essential roles in central service departments.
