Surgical equipment sterilizers present a largely untapped career opportunity within the medical profession. This role, which is increasingly in demand, requires no college degree and offers salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, making it appealing to Generation Z individuals who are interested in healthcare and prioritize careers requiring lower educational investment.
There are numerous available positions, often overlooked simply due to a lack of awareness. The role of sterilizing surgical tools is experiencing significant growth in the medical field, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6% growth rate for medical equipment preparer positions from 2021 to 2031. This is above the national average growth for all occupations. The necessity for such roles is clear, as hospitals must ensure their equipment is thoroughly disinfected to prevent disease transmission between patients. Entry-level positions in this field provide earnings between $50,000 and $70,000 annually and require significantly less training compared to other medical professions such as anesthesiology or neurology.
This role offers a direct path to the middle class without substantial educational expenses, appealing to many Generation Z individuals burdened with financial struggles or student debt yet desiring careers in healthcare. Fatima el Idrissi, a 38-year-old who completed training in surgical equipment sterilization, told The Wall Street Journal about her newfound opportunity in hospital settings, allowing potential advancement into other medical fields.
Surgical equipment sterilization also serves as a foundational step towards more lucrative positions in the medical industry, such as surgical or radiology technicians, where salaries can range from $100,000 to $400,000, respectively.
Despite over 4 million Gen Z individuals experiencing career delays due to lack of employment, education, or training, numerous opportunities exist in lesser-known professional roles. A 2024 study by the Burning Glass Institute highlighted that 6.2 million new job opportunities did not require a bachelor’s or associate degree, with 72% of these roles in understaffed sectors like healthcare. The disparity is partly due to a general unawareness of such opportunities in favor of more traditional medical roles like physicians and nurses.
According to a 2025 report from Monster, approximately 18% of the graduating class plans to pursue healthcare careers, making it a favorable pathway for Generation Z in a challenging job market. The healthcare field is highly sought-after, just after business and preceding fields like computer technology and finance. For those wary of the financial burden of a college degree, surgical equipment sterilization can be pursued with less than a year of training, offering a promising career trajectory without incurring significant debt. This foundational role paves the way towards further positions, such as radiology or surgical technicians, with substantial salaries and without the need for prolonged degree programs.
Entering the field of surgical equipment sterilization requires fewer advanced qualifications compared to other medical roles. Many, like El Idrissi, begin with a short course to enter the workforce. At LaGuardia Community College, for instance, a central service technician certificate can be obtained in less than a year at a cost of $1,500, far less than a four-year degree. The prerequisite qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and proficiency in English. Graduates must complete a 400-hour internship, with job placement assistance available. This pathway offers considerable growth potential within the healthcare industry.
This story originally appeared on Fortune.com.
