What is a sterilizer operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
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There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a sterilizer operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.85 an hour? That's $39,198 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSterilizer OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,198

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.7

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.43%

Asian 9.06%

Black or African American 10.80%

Hispanic or Latino 20.50%

Unknown 4.53%

White 53.68%

Gender

female 28.65%

male 71.35%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Stress Level
8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.0

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a sterilizer operator

  1. Explore sterilizer operator education requirements

    Most common sterilizer operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    31.5 %

    Associate

    30.4 %

    Bachelor's

    30.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific sterilizer operator skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Sops12.29%
    Sterilizers9.80%
    GMP8.98%
    CIP7.39%
    APA7.30%
  3. Complete relevant sterilizer operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sterilizer 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 operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sterilizer operator resumes.
  4. Research sterilizer operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your sterilizer operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sterilizer 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 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 Operator Resume templates

    Build a professional Sterilizer 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 Operator resume.
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
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    Sterilizer Operator Resume
    Sterilizer Operator Resume
  6. Apply for sterilizer operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a sterilizer 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 Operator Job

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Average sterilizer operator salary

The average Sterilizer Operator salary in the United States is $39,198 per year or $19 per hour. Sterilizer operator salaries range between $30,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average Sterilizer Operator Salary
$39,198 Yearly
$18.85 hourly

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How do sterilizer operators rate their job?

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Sterilizer Operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2021
Pros

What I like about this specialty is its contribution to achieving health for all through sterilization of surgical instruments

Cons

The absence of a bachelor’s degree for this specialization in all countries of the world. Only diplomas are held in some health facilities or courses in some independent organizations Like CBSPD &IAHCSMM there is not Bachelor Certification in Central Sterilization Not in America, not in Europe, or in other countries except for Dublin ,Ireland, I suppose as well as Everyone looks at this specialty as automatic washing machines, although without it there would be no proper surgery, and it is the beating heart of the hospital


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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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