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Central Service Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

SPD Technician-OR

Escondido, CA · On-site

Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST or CBSPD) or Certified Surgical Tech (CST or NCCT) Preferred Certification: Not Applicable Required License: Not Applicable Preferred License: Not ...

Palomar Health

SPD Technician-OR

Escondido, CA

Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST or CBSPD) or Certified Surgical Tech (CST or NCCT) Preferred Certification: Not Applicable Required License: Not Applicable Preferred License: Not ...

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Central Service Tech information

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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:

What job categories do people searching Central Service Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Central Service Tech jobs in California are:

Central Service Tech jobs near you
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.

Central Service Instrument Tech Instructor-GCC

Success Education Colleges

Glendale, CA

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Success Education Colleges (SEC) is a family of institutions comprised of North-West College, Glendale Career College, Nevada Career Institute and Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. SEC is a leader in allied health education, and has been offering quality and affordable health care training programs for over 58 years.

Our everyday mission is to educate students in short-term and professional programs for gainful employment and career advancement.

Careers Site: https://www.success.edu/careers-with-sec/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Central Service Instrument Technician Instructor is responsible for delivering a quality educational experience for the students in the courses that she/he teaches all students and are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Check students' daily attendance and report to the Registrar's Office.
  • Supervise students' activities in the Central Supply Department.
  • Prepare written and practical exams. Grade and record tests.
  • Develop a structured schedule to involve total class participation.
  • Counsel students as necessary.
  • Coordinate with Didactics in evaluating students' performance.
  • Train students and Turn in students' records for filing.
  • Communicate student's progress at staff meetings.
  • Review Universal and Standard Precautions with students preparing to go to Externship Rotation / HIPAA
  • Clean and decontaminate instruments, Clean sterilizers, and Clean medical devices.
  • Assemble trays.
  • Wrap trays and instruments.
  • Peel pouch instruments.
  • Run both steam and gas sterilizers, Run bio tests for steam, gas, and flash sterilizers.
  • Receive loaners. And make case carts.

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

  • Knowledge of sterilization techniques, procedures, infection control, workflow principles and requirements, equipment and supply processing, including cleaning, inspection, and assembly.
  • Knowledge of surgical supplies and instrument sets in order to pull surgery cases is preferred.
  • Minimum of two years' work experience in a Central Service, Sterile Processing, or Operating Room environment preferred.
  • Ability to make sound decisions and perform with minimal supervision.
  • Basic Computer proficiency and ability to work with electronic information systems.

LAB INSTRUCTION:

The instructor will oversee and facilitate laboratory sessions for students in the lab. This role involves providing hands-on instruction, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Current certification through IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management) or CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) organization required
  • 3 years of experience

Success Education Colleges is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SEC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer

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