Sterile Processing Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this specialized training program develop the technical expertise needed to ensure surgical environments meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene. The curriculum equips learners with the skills to manage the full lifecycle of medical instruments, from initial decontamination to final sterilization and distribution, playing a critical role in patient safety and healthcare operations.
- Sterilization Techniques: Learn advanced methods such as autoclaving, chemical sterilization, and dry heat processing to eliminate all microbial life from surgical instruments and equipment.
- Infection Control Protocols: Master evidence-based practices to prevent the transmission of pathogens within healthcare settings, aligning with national and institutional safety standards.
- Decontamination Procedures: Understand the systematic processes for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from medical devices before sterilization, including proper handling and waste disposal.
- Surgical Instrumentation Processing: Gain hands-on experience in sorting, inspecting, assembling, and preparing surgical tools for use in operating rooms and specialty units.
- Distribution and Inventory Management: Develop skills in tracking and delivering sterile supplies efficiently, ensuring availability while maintaining accountability and compliance.
- Record-Keeping and Documentation: Learn to maintain accurate logs and digital records for sterilization cycles, equipment history, and quality assurance audits.
Sterile Processing Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sterile Processing Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Sterile Processing Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Surgical Technologists and Medical Equipment Preparers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 416,370 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Surgical Technologists 29-2055 | $62,830 | $43,290 - $90,700 | 113,890 | $30.21 |
| Medical Equipment Preparers 31-9093 | $46,490 | $35,400 - $67,070 | 72,760 | $22.35 |
Salary Comparison
Sterile Processing Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,363 in South Dakota to $93,890 in District of Columbia—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 416,370 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Sterile Processing Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 91 institutions offering Sterile Processing Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Sterile Processing Technology is found at Herzing University, Madison (341 graduates), Contra Costa Medical Career College (CCMCC) (107 graduates), Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) (92 graduates), Fortis Institute (63 graduates), and Pima Medical Institute (PMI), Phoenix (50 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,964 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sterile Processing Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Sterile Processing Technology degree?
Salaries for Sterile Processing Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Surgical Technologists earn around $62,830. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $93,890 compared to $53,363 in South Dakota. Approximately 416,370 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Sterile Processing Technology programs?
Currently 92 accredited institutions offer Sterile Processing Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Herzing University, Madison (341 graduates), Contra Costa Medical Career College (CCMCC) (107 graduates), and Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) (92 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Sterile Processing Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 28 in 2010 to 1,964 in 2023-24. This represents a 6,914% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Sterile Processing Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Surgical Technologists, and Medical Equipment Preparers. Related occupations employ approximately 416,370 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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