Post job

Central processing technician vs distribution technician

The differences between central processing technicians and distribution technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a central processing technician has an average salary of $35,088, which is higher than the $33,564 average annual salary of a distribution technician.

The top three skills for a central processing technician include patients, surgical instruments and customer service. The most important skills for a distribution technician are patients, computer system, and data entry.

Central processing technician vs distribution technician overview

Central Processing TechnicianDistribution Technician
Yearly salary$35,088$33,564
Hourly rate$16.87$16.14
Growth rate8%1%
Number of jobs38,033154,925
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age4338
Years of experience2-

What does a central processing technician do?

A central processing technician monitors the daily operations of a processing facility, ensuring equipment and machinery function smoothly and efficiently. They primarily conduct assessments and inspections to monitor and adjust machine parameters, perform quality tests on different products, and ensure that all procedures comply with industry standards and company regulations. Moreover, they also conduct regular maintenance checks on machines, troubleshoot issues, perform basic repairs, report to managers about faulty equipment and processes, maintain daily production records, and enforce safety standards and guidelines.

What does a distribution technician do?

A distribution technician has a variety of duties and responsibilities, including collecting and delivering materials, receiving documents, packages, and messages, and transporting them safely to their destination. Other tasks that you will likely perform include managing the inventory and completing data entry, preparing documentation and reports, and coordinating logistics for the shipment of products. Additional duties include providing quality service to customers and distributors, resolving inventory discrepancies, and collecting and updating customer information. You may also be tasked to conduct field and laboratory testing of construction materials.

Central processing technician vs distribution technician salary

Central processing technicians and distribution technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Central Processing TechnicianDistribution Technician
Average salary$35,088$33,564
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $44,000Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityBurlingame, CAVallejo, CA
Highest paying stateMichiganHawaii
Best paying companyBrigham and Women's HospitalBrigham and Women's Hospital
Best paying industryNon ProfitsUtilities

Differences between central processing technician and distribution technician education

There are a few differences between a central processing technician and a distribution technician in terms of educational background:

Central Processing TechnicianDistribution Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY Stony Brook-

Central processing technician vs distribution technician demographics

Here are the differences between central processing technicians' and distribution technicians' demographics:

Central Processing TechnicianDistribution Technician
Average age4338
Gender ratioMale, 34.7% Female, 65.3%Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 9.0% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage9%6%

Differences between central processing technician and distribution technician duties and responsibilities

Central processing technician example responsibilities.

  • Prepare and sanitize by protocols and procedures surgical instruments for patients.
  • Sterilize instruments using specialize equipment including steam autoclaves, sonic washers, acid sterilizers, sterile dryers.
  • Perform quality control protocols for steam, gas and sterrad sterilizing equipment.
  • Operate and maintain steam autoclaves by keeping items and records of load complete.
  • Assist the department manager with the development of policies according to JCAHO and OSHA specifications.
  • Monitor and adhere to departmental activities/procedures according to guidelines establish by OSHA, AORN and JCA.
  • Show more

Distribution technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of verifying incoming items and outgoing customer material release orders (MRO )
  • Manage and monitor KPI's, departmental metrics and ensure all checks and balances are in place.
  • Purchase raw materials in order to support manufacturing per MRP requirements.
  • Ensure office are neat, orderly and secure to meet FDA standards.
  • Utilize troubleshooting and problem-solving skills resolving conflicts/issues in item master and BOM data.
  • Load and unload trailers using RF scanner to ensure order/weight distribution accurate to customer order.
  • Show more

Central processing technician vs distribution technician skills

Common central processing technician skills
  • Patients, 13%
  • Surgical Instruments, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Sterilizers, 7%
  • Medical Terminology, 5%
  • Surgical Procedures, 5%
Common distribution technician skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • Computer System, 8%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Medical Equipment, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Basic Math, 4%

Browse healthcare support jobs