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Central Sterile Processing Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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Central Sterile Processing information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$14

$30

$47

How much do central sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for central sterile processing in Santa Rosa, CA is $30.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $36.25 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 popular job titles related to Central Sterile Processing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Central Sterile Processing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Central Sterile Processing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Central Sterile Processing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Central Sterile Processing jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Central Sterile Processing job openings:

Central Sterile Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Central Sterile Processing job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,523 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician (Per Diem)

Sonoma Valley Hospital

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$29.75 - $38.67/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects, and sterilizes surgical instruments, scopes, and reusable medical devices.

  • Inventories, restocks, and distributes instruments, reusable medical equipment, and supplies to patient-care departments.

  • Validates sterilization and disinfection processes, maintains documentation, and reports equipment malfunctions.

Job description

Overview
Under direct/indirect supervision follows approved infection control, quality assurance and departmental policies and procedures. Collects, cleans, decontaminates, disinfects and/or sterilizes surgical instrument trays, scopes, and packs, reusable medical devices and patient care equipment for inpatient nursing and other patient-care department units. Inventories, restocks and distributes instruments, reusable medical equipment and medical supplies to patient-care departments, as requested.
Responsibilities
Infection Control - Standard Precautions: Adherence to handwashing requirements, workflow patterns, standard precautions, sterility assurance, biological monitoring, and dress code. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment.
Quality Assurance Monitoring: Validates and maintains daily testing and event-related protocols, disinfection and/or sterilization load parameters and records, inventory check sheet(s), and equipment monitoring. Report all malfunctioning equipment to appropriate department.
Documentation: Meets regulatory requirements for sterilization, high level disinfection, biological monitoring, and employee competencies. Accurately document and maintain daily records of all Quality Assurance and sterilization functions according to regulatory agency and Infection Control standards.
Decontamination Skills: Decontaminates and processes instruments, including compiling instrument sets, counting instruments and recording counts.
Preparation & Packaging: According to manufacturer guidelines, selects and prepares packaging materials for the sterilization of reusable instrumentation.
Instrumentation Assembly: Identifies, inspects, and assembles all general and specialty instruments, various power equipment, laser and endoscopic instruments per specifications and manufacturer recommendations. Inspects, disassembles, sorts, cleans, and processes reusable instrumentation and equipment.
Principles of Sterilization: Selects appropriate method of sterilization, and the appropriate exposure/dry times. Properly loads and unloads sterilization cart items. Verifies that sterilization parameters have been met before distribution of load.
Workplace Safety: Demonstrates awareness of personal and work area safety at all times. Complies with hospital safety policies and procedures, including those for bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases. Takes prompt corrective actions when hazard identified (reporting or removing, as appropriate)
Maintains adequate cleaning supplies. Follows manufacturer recommendations for use of cleaning agents. As designated, order inventory assigned supply areas for replenishment, and rotate stock appropriately and stocks general and surgical carts.
Maintains a clean and orderly environment in the department by daily wiping of counters, sinks, exterior surface of autoclaves and high disinfection equipment. Cleans the autoclave chambers on a weekly basis. Assists with picking supplies/instruments for upcoming cases.
Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Experience: Two (2) years' experience, within the past four (4) years. in a Sterile Processing Department.
Licenses & Certifications: Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician (CSPDT) by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution; OR Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service and Material Management.
Required Skills & Knowledge: Must know Medical Terminology to understand instrumentation, surgical procedures, and surgical schedule. Must have knowledge of various types of reusable surgical instrumentation, including power equipment and micro surgical instrumentation. Must know how to operate Sterile Processing departmental equipment (i.e. washers, ultrasonic, steam, gas, and chemical sterilizer). Demonstrates effective written and verball communication skills with co-workers, internal, and external customers. Takes responsibility and is accountable for own professional work ethics. Demonstrate responsibility in adhering to posted work schedules
Compensation
Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.
Minimum:
USD $29.75
Maximum:
USD $38.67

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