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Central Sterile Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SDS Central Sterile Processing Job Objective: Provides system wide support for the hospital, surgical and clinic instruments, intubation boxes and crash carts. Work directly impacts patient care by ...

Central Sterile Responsible for cleaning /decontaminating instruments and equipment, sterilization ... Successful completion of Sterile Processing Program. Must be available to take call to ensure ...

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Central Sterile Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do central sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for central sterile processing in California is $27.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a central sterile processing technician?

Central Sterile Processing technicians, often called sterile processing technicians or central service technicians, are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing surgical instruments and medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. They ensure that all equipment is properly sanitized to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. These professionals play a critical role in supporting surgical teams by making sure that all tools are ready and safe for procedures. Their work is essential in maintaining high standards of hygiene and compliance with healthcare regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a central sterile processing technician?

To thrive as a Central Sterile Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of infection control, sterilization techniques, and medical instrumentation, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilizers, tracking software, and adherence to regulatory standards is essential. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and teamwork in a clinical environment. These competencies are crucial for maintaining patient safety and supporting efficient surgical and procedural operations.

What are some common challenges faced by central sterile processing technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Central Sterile Processing Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of surgical instruments, maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols, and keeping up with evolving technology and regulatory standards. To address these challenges, technicians benefit from continuous training, strong attention to detail, and effective communication with surgical and nursing staff. Many facilities offer ongoing education and cross-training, which not only help technicians stay current but also open pathways for career advancement into supervisory or specialized roles.

What is the difference between Central Sterile Processing vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectCentral Sterile ProcessingSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCBSPD or IAHCSMM certificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusSterilizing, disinfecting, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments

While both roles support surgical procedures, Central Sterile Processing focuses on sterilizing and preparing instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and work in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is central sterile processing a good job?

Central sterile processing is a vital healthcare role involving sterilizing and preparing medical equipment, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization techniques. It offers stable employment, opportunities for certification, and typically involves working in a hospital or clinical environment. The job can be physically demanding but provides a steady career path with potential for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Central Sterile Processing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Central Sterile Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Central Sterile Processing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Central Sterile Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Central Sterile Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Supervisor-Central Sterile Processing

Eisenhower

Rancho Mirage, CA

$27.75 - $42.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Default Work Shift:

Nights (United States of America)

Hours:

40

Salary range:

$27.75 - $42.15

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

8 Hour employee

Department:

Central Sterile Processing

Job Objective:

Provides current best practices for revising and or creating policies and procedures. Performs duties of Central Sterile Processing (CSP) Technician as necessary and works under indirect remote periodic supervision.

Job Description:

Education:
Required: High school diploma, GED or higher level degree if hired after March 1, 2025
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in business or related field
Licensure/Certification:
Required: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER); Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL) from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within two (2) years of hire; employees hired before December 1, 2025 must obtain Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) Certification by December 1, 2026 and Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL) from Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) by December 1, 2027
Experience:
Required: Three (3) years of sterile processing technician experience

Reports To: Manager or Director
Supervises: Sterile Processing Technicians
Ages of Patients: Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric
Blood Borne Pathogens: High Potential

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected situations, Ability to communicate with patients, healthcare professionals, and staff to ensure clear and accurate exchange of information, Ability to delegate tasks effectively, optimize team productivity and ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives, Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations in a calm and professional manner, Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines, Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant software applications, Knowledge of AAMI Standards, Out Patient Clinic processing, work flow, Self-starter; driven to take action without needing prompting

Essential Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
2. Oversees the daily operations of department, including practice standards and overall department activity.
3. Assists leadership with budgets, fiscal management, and quality improvement.
4. Prepares the staffing schedule and ensures staff assignments match the workload requirements of the department.
5. Develops and maintains systems to ensure staff vacations are approved in collaboration with the Manager.
6. Monitors employee productivity and quality of output.
7. Supervises all assigned staff to include hiring, orienting, training, evaluating and coaching; escalates employee performance concerns to leadership and provides documentation for counseling and performance improvement plans (PIPs) as necessary.
8. Manages instrument tracking module of OR information system or other system, if applicable.
9. Ensures instrumentation needs for next day's cases are identified and instrumentation is available in collaboration with the OR leadership.
10. Coordinates instrument turnaround activities in collaboration with Sterile Processing Technicians.
11. Monitors decontamination and sterilization processes and practices.
12. Oversees instrument purchases and the instrument repair and replacement program.
13. Oversees the loaner instrument/vendor instrument acquisition and return program.
14. Provides management coverage in the absence of the CSP manager.
15. Acts as infection control liaison.
16. Maintains records related to operations and services that are complete, accurate, available and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
17. Maintains department supplies ensuring par levels are accurate and re-ordered in a timely manner.
18. Identifies, schedules and presents in-service education programs.
19. Works with clinic staff and leadership on issues pertaining to sterile processing.
20. Collaborates with leadership to ensure the department is in compliance with all applicable policies/procedures, laws, regulatory agency requirements, codes of practice, and organizational work standards (service, quality and safety standards).
21. Performs other duties as assigned.