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Healthcare

Sterile Processing Technician

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Annual openings

187

Median wage

$47,700

Typical education

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Customer Focus — The ability to interact with patients to provide culturally congruent care is a core competency.
  • Health & Safety — Understanding the tests that are being done, the need and proper collection mechanism for a good quality sample, and how to use resources to look up important information.
  • Communication — Effective verbal communication to patients to explain the procedure and communication with other members of the Healthcare team.
  • Basic Problem Solving — Being able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to a procedure efficiently.
  • Professionalism — Adhere to company policies and procedures and in an ethical manner.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
  2. Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
  3. Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
  4. Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
  5. Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
  6. Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.
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