Sterile Processing Tech: $70K Salary, No Degree Needed

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A little-known healthcare role cleaning surgical tools pays up to $70,000 annually without requiring a college degree.

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Sterile processing technicians ensure medical instruments are properly disinfected, preventing infections between patients.

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The national average salary stands at $74,898 per year, with most positions including health insurance and retirement benefits.

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Training takes less than a year and costs around $1,500, with scholarships often available to cover most expenses.

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Former restaurant manager Shyann Lynch discovered the career after searching online for "highest paying job with shortest training time

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LaGuardia Community College reports over 80% of their sterile processing students land paid jobs after completing the program.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth in this field through 2031, outpacing the national average.

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For ambitious healthcare workers, the role can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying positions like surgical or radiology technicians.

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Gen Z faces a reality check: while $70,000 meets basic stability needs, it falls far short of their reported $588,000 "financial success" benchmark.

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