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Cleaning Surgical Instruments Jobs in California

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Surgery Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$50 - $54/hr

... surgical counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments in collaboration with the circulating nurse - Assist with specimen handling in compliance with facility and regulatory standards - Clean, restock ...

Ensure surgical packs are cleaned and packed for sterilization after every procedure, including ... instruments and supplies, and comply with sterile processing and infection control standards.

Ensure surgical packs are cleaned and packed for sterilization after every procedure, including ... instruments and supplies, and comply with sterile processing and infection control standards.

Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. * Hold retractors ... After an operation, help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating ...

Ensure surgical packs are cleaned and packed for sterilization after every procedure, including ... instruments and supplies, and comply with sterile processing and infection control standards.

Showing results 41-60

Cleaning Surgical Instruments information

See California salary details

$711

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do cleaning surgical instruments jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average weekly pay for cleaning surgical instruments in California is $1,857.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,384.62 and $2,276.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does cleaning surgical instruments involve?

Individuals in this role are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment according to strict health and safety guidelines. You may also be tasked with maintaining sterility logs, managing inventory, and preparing instrument trays for upcoming procedures. Collaboration with surgical teams and other medical staff is common to ensure that all equipment meets required standards and is promptly available. The job often involves standing for long periods, working in a highly controlled environment, and adhering closely to hospital protocols. This role is crucial in supporting patient care by ensuring the instruments used in surgeries are safe and ready for use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for cleaning surgical instruments?

To excel in Cleaning Surgical Instruments, you need knowledge of sterilization techniques, attention to detail, and a high standard of cleanliness, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, and adherence to infection control protocols are typically required, and certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) is often preferred. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team are valued soft skills. These attributes are essential to ensure patient safety, prevent infection, and maintain seamless surgical operations in healthcare settings.

What is the job called when you clean surgical instruments?

The job of cleaning surgical instruments is typically called a surgical instrument technician or sterile processing technician. These professionals are responsible for disinfecting, sterilizing, and maintaining surgical tools using specialized equipment and following strict safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of sterilization procedures are often required for this role.

What is cleaning surgical instruments?

A Cleaning Surgical Instruments job involves the decontamination, sterilization, and maintenance of medical tools used in surgeries and procedures. Workers in this role clean, disinfect, and inspect instruments to ensure they meet strict hygiene and safety standards. They operate sterilization equipment, follow infection control protocols, and help prevent contamination in medical settings. This job is essential for patient safety and is often performed in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities.

How do you become a cleaning surgical instruments specialist?

To become a surgical instrument cleaner, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and training in sterilization procedures. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of infection control, proper handling, and cleaning tools like ultrasonic cleaners or sterilizers is essential.
What are popular job titles related to Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs in California? For Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cleaning Surgical Instruments jobs? Cities in California with the most Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings:
Infographic showing various Cleaning Surgical Instruments job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,598 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Surgical Tech, Per Diem - Float Team

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$47.43/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

General Information
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Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully On-Site
Work Schedule
10 hour day shifts, may include weekends and holidays as needed; 1 shift/week
Posted Date
07/13/2026
Salary Range: $50.3 - 50.3 Hourly
Employment Type
6 - Staff: Per Diem
Duration
Indefinite
Job #
32023
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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UCLA Health will give you the opportunity to use your specialized abilities to help improve the lives of our patients, their families, and your fellow team members. As a Surgical Technician in our Operating Rooms, you'll be at the forefront of life-saving procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and surgical excellence. Join us and be part of a team that's transforming healthcare and making a tangible impact on lives every day.
Primary responsibilities of the Surgical Technician include:
  • Prepare and set up surgical instrumentation and equipment according to department standards and surgeon preference cards.
  • Maintain a sterile field and ensure all surgical instruments and supplies are ready and functioning properly.
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures, providing instruments and supplies promptly.
  • Perform hand and arm scrubs in accordance with departmental policies, donning sterile gown and gloves, and setting up instrumentation and equipment as per guidelines.
  • Conduct surgical counts with the circulating nurse at designated intervals, assisting surgeons with gowning, gloving, and draping after skin preparation, and safely passing instruments, sponges, and sutures during procedures
  • Maintain the sterile field and ensuring team adherence to sterile techniques, verifying and preparing medications and solutions for use within the sterile field, and accurately tracking their usage.
  • Proper handling and identification of specimens, providing safe and dignified patient care, assisting with dressings and casts, and careful management of instrumentation.
  • After procedures, responsibilities extend to preparing instruments for cleaning and supporting operating room cleanup following Universal Precautions.
  • Participate in ongoing training and education to stay current with best practices and technological advancements.
  • Collaborate effectively with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

This position floats to various units within the UCLA Health system based on the patient census and the skills of the staff. Hospital locations include but are not limited to the following:
  • Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
  • UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
  • UCLA West Valley Medical Center

*May convert to a career opportunity*
Salary Range: $47.43-$47.43 Hourly
Job Qualifications
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We're seeking a highly-skilled, self-motivated professional with:
  • Graduate of Surgical Technician program, required
  • Minimum 2 years of Surgical Technician experience, required
  • Ability to scrub in multiple service lines, required
  • BLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, required
  • Surgical Technician certification from the NBSTSA, preferred
  • Working knowledge of universal precautions, aseptic technique, operating room sanitation, and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Familiarity with surgical procedures, anatomy, terminology, and age-specific physiological and psychological patient needs.
  • Knowledge of the use, function, and operation of surgical instruments, equipment, and furniture.
  • Ability to speak, read, and write proper English to convey information clearly, explain procedures, and respond professionally via phone or in person.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and persuade others to follow established practices.
  • Willingness to accept shift changes and respond to emergency calls or disaster situations as departmental needs require.
  • Skill in setting priorities, recognizing emergencies, and taking appropriate action based on experience or direction.
  • Ability to work independently, follow through on assignments, and perform repetitive tasks with consistency and accuracy.
  • Physical ability to lift heavy objects, push or pull carts, handle surgical equipment safely, and stand for extended periods.
  • Willingness to learn new procedures and enhance skills through training and professional development opportunities.
  • Demonstrates accuracy in task execution and adherence to safety protocols to ensure patient and staff well-being

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955