Central processing technician vs sterilizer operator

The differences between central processing technicians and sterilizer operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a central processing technician and a sterilizer operator. Additionally, a sterilizer operator has an average salary of $39,198, which is higher than the $35,088 average annual salary of a central processing technician.

The top three skills for a central processing technician include patients, surgical instruments and customer service. The most important skills for a sterilizer operator are sops, sterilizers, and GMP.

Central processing technician vs sterilizer operator overview

	Central Processing Technician	Sterilizer Operator
Yearly salary	$35,088	$39,198
Hourly rate	$16.87	$18.85
Growth rate	8%	7%
Number of jobs	38,033	30,721
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	High School Diploma, 32%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Central processing technician vs sterilizer operator salary

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

	Central Processing Technician	Sterilizer Operator
Average salary	$35,088	$39,198
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $44,000	Between $30,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Burlingame, CA	-
Highest paying state	Michigan	-
Best paying company	Brigham and Women's Hospital	-
Best paying industry	Non Profits	-

Differences between central processing technician and sterilizer operator education

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

	Central Processing Technician	Sterilizer Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	High School Diploma, 32%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Business
Most common college	SUNY Stony Brook	SUNY Farmingdale

Central processing technician vs sterilizer operator demographics

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

	Central Processing Technician	Sterilizer Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 34.7% Female, 65.3%	Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7%
Race ratio	Black 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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 9.1% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between central processing technician and sterilizer operator 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.

Sterilizer operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
Sterilize and move medical supplies in accordance with GMP, FDA and EPA requirements.
Follow GMP's to comply with FDA, EPA, DEA, and other regulators requirements.
Load and unload freeze dryers.
Assist in repairs and CIP of equipment.
Operate sterilizers ensuring that all controls and printouts are working properly.

Central processing technician vs sterilizer operator skills

Common central processing technician skills

Patients, 13%
Surgical Instruments, 8%
Customer Service, 8%
Sterilizers, 7%
Medical Terminology, 5%
Surgical Procedures, 5%

Common sterilizer operator skills

Sops, 12%
Sterilizers, 10%
GMP, 9%
CIP, 7%
APA, 7%
Data Entry, 7%

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Healthcare Support Industry
Central Processing Technician
Central Processing Technician vs Sterilizer Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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