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What is a sterilizer machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a sterilizer machine operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.1 an hour? That's $31,416 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSterilizer Machine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,416

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.44%

Asian 8.42%

Black or African American 16.68%

Hispanic or Latino 26.65%

Unknown 3.94%

White 42.86%

Gender

female 7.14%

male 92.86%

Age - 51
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 51
Stress level
4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a sterilizer machine operator

  1. Explore sterilizer machine operator education requirements

    Most common sterilizer machine operator degrees

    Diploma

    50.0 %

    Associate

    50.0 %
  2. Complete relevant sterilizer machine operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sterilizer machine operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a sterilizer machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sterilizer machine operator resumes.
  3. Research sterilizer machine operator duties and responsibilities

    • Assist sterilization operators with finish work coming out of autoclaves as well with bacterial indicator and cycle folders.
    • Recognize for work done in a sterile environment and utilizing correct safety PPE for surrounding work areas/machinery.
    • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.
  4. Prepare your sterilizer machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sterilizer machine operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a sterilizer machine operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable sterilizer machine operator resume templates

    Build a professional sterilizer machine operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your sterilizer machine operator resume.
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Machine Operator Resume
  5. Apply for sterilizer machine operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a sterilizer machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first sterilizer machine operator job

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Average sterilizer machine operator salary

The average sterilizer machine operator salary in the United States is $31,416 per year or $15 per hour. Sterilizer machine operator salaries range between $24,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average sterilizer machine operator salary
$31,416 Yearly
$15.10 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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