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Central Service Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

One California As our CS Tech, you will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient processing and ... Minimum of 3 years of Central Service experience, Sterile Processing, or * 1 year of experience and ...

Women's imaging and breast health services * Emergency and trauma care * Cardiac rehabilitation and ... Central Supply Tech I The Central Supply Technician is responsible for issuing all supplies as ...

Women's imaging and breast health services * Emergency and trauma care * Cardiac rehabilitation and ... Central Supply Tech I The Central Supply Technician is responsible for issuing all supplies as ...

Women's imaging and breast health services * Emergency and trauma care * Cardiac rehabilitation and ... Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) Certification preferred. Education: * Minimum ...

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Central Service Tech information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do central service tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for central service tech in California is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a central service tech?

Central Service Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment. They play a critical role in preventing infections and ensuring that surgical tools and devices are safe for use in patient care. Central Service Techs work primarily in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities to support the smooth operation of medical procedures. Their attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization protocols help maintain high standards of patient safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a central service tech?

To thrive as a Central Service Tech, you need a solid understanding of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical instrumentation, generally acquired through a high school diploma and completion of a Central Service Technician certification program (such as CRCST). Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilizers, tracking software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are vital to guarantee the safe reprocessing of medical equipment and maintain a sterile environment in healthcare facilities.

What are the biggest challenges central service techs face during instrument sterilization, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges Central Service Techs encounter is ensuring that surgical instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, especially when dealing with complex or delicate equipment. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact patient safety. To address these challenges, techs should follow strict protocols, stay updated on the latest sterilization techniques, and communicate closely with surgical teams to clarify any uncertainties about instrument handling. Ongoing training and certification also help techs stay proficient and confident in their daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Central Service Tech vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectCentral Service TechSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsTypically requires CBSPD or IAHCSMM certificationOften requires CBSPD or IAHCSMM certification
Work EnvironmentHospital central sterile supply departments, surgical centersHospital sterile processing units, surgical instrument reprocessing
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job FocusManaging sterilization supplies, inventory, and equipmentCleaning, sterilizing, and inspecting surgical instruments

Both roles involve sterilization and require similar certifications, working in hospital or healthcare settings. The Central Service Tech often manages supplies and inventory, while the Sterile Processing Technician focuses more on cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments. They are closely related roles with overlapping duties but differ slightly in scope and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Central Service Tech jobs in California?

For Central Service Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Central Service Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,699 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 541 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Womens Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nations five largest health care systems. Visit here https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/californiahospital for more information.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


As our Certified SPD Tech, you will ensure patient safety and surgical efficiency by meticulously decontaminating, sterilizing, and assembling all medical instruments and equipment. Your precise work is fundamental to infection control and positive patient outcomes across clinical areas.
 
Every day you will expertly process surgical instruments, maintaining accurate documentation, testing equipment, and managing inventory according to strict protocols. You'll adhere to infection control standards, troubleshoot equipment, and contribute to a safe, efficient sterile processing environment.
 
To succeed, you'll need exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, excellent communication for coordination, and a profound commitment to sterile technique and patient safety. Self-motivation and adaptability are essential in this critical, fast-paced support service role.
  • Demonstrate an independent function in ensuring that soiled instrumentation or equipment delivered to the department is decontaminated in a manner that prevents cross contamination.
  • Demonstrate an independent function in ensuring that the equipment distributed from the Sterile Processing Department is in appropriate working order for utilization in direct patient care.
  • Demonstrate independent function in ensuring a sterile product by professional assembly of surgical items, instrument sets, floor trays and appropriate packaging in preparation for terminal sterilization.
  • Demonstrate independent function in ensuring that sterility is achieved utilizing the sterilization process either steam, and sterrad. Demonstrate when to use each process.
  • Demonstrate independent function in performing in the following areas of the surgical case setup process: Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - Orthopedics; Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - ENT/Plastic/Ophthalmology; Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - General Surgery; Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - GYN/GU/Cardiothoracic; Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - Neuro/Vascular.
  • Packaging/Wrapping - GYN/GU/Cardiothoracic; Assembly/Packaging/Wrapping - Neuro/Vascular.

Required

  • A minimum of 3 years of SPD experience in an acute care environment 
  • Must be well versed in testing sterilization equipment.
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician from HSPA
  • Fire Safety, within 90 Days of hire.


Preferred

  • High School Graduate or GED
  • Experience working in a trauma surgery hospital

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