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Entry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in California

Morgan Hill Healthcare Center

Dietary Aide

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Dietary Aide- This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone who wants a career in culinary ... Provide assistance and support in all food functions including preparation, processing, delivery to ...

New

Dr. Kevin Reuter

Dental assistant

Santa Cruz, CA

$20 - $30/hr

Reuter and our dental team during exams and procedures Sterilize and set up instruments ... Dentrix * Dexis Experience with Dentrix and Dexis dental software preferred Hiring Process [1] ...

Dr. Kevin Reuter

Dental assistant

Santa Cruz, CA

$20 - $30/hr

Reuter and our dental team during exams and procedures Sterilize and set up instruments ... Dentrix * Dexis Experience with Dentrix and Dexis dental software preferred Hiring Process [1] ...

Vasona Park Dental

Dental hygienist

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Maintain a sterile environment by adhering to rigorous infection control protocols and OSHA ... While we welcome entry-level clinicians, previous experience in a private practice setting is ...

Camino Ridge Post-Acute

Dietary Aide

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Dietary Aide- This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone who wants a career in culinary ... Provide assistance and support in all food functions including preparation, processing, delivery to ...

Gilroy Healthcare Center

Dietary Aide

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Dietary Aide- This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone who wants a career in culinary ... Provide assistance and support in all food functions including preparation, processing, delivery to ...

Paradise Dental Arts

Dental hygienist

Oxnard, CA

$50 - $60/hr

... for entry-level hygienists eager to develop their skills and contribute to a dynamic, patient ... Maintain a sterile and organized work environment following infection control protocols.

Belmont Healthcare Center

Dietary Aide

Belmont, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Dietary Aide- This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone who wants a career in culinary ... Provide assistance and support in all food functions including preparation, processing, delivery to ...

Camino Ridge Post-Acute

Dietary Aide

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Dietary Aide- This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone who wants a career in culinary ... Provide assistance and support in all food functions including preparation, processing, delivery to ...

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All JobsSterile Processing JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing JobsEntry Level Sterile Processing Jobs in California

Entry Level Sterile Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do entry level sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sterile processing technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sterile Processing Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, attention to detail, and basic understanding of infection control procedures. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required, along with certification such as the CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These qualities ensure that all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly sterilized, supporting patient safety and smooth healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level sterile processing technicians, and how can I prepare for them?

As an entry-level sterile processing technician, you may encounter challenges such as keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, learning the intricacies of various medical instruments, and maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols. It's important to have strong attention to detail, as even small errors can impact patient safety. To prepare, familiarize yourself with infection control standards, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and stay organized to efficiently handle instrument trays and documentation. Working collaboratively with surgical teams and communicating proactively will also help you succeed in this essential healthcare role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sterile Processing vs Entry Level Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Sterile ProcessingEntry Level Surgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing Certification (e.g., CBSPD, IAHCSMM)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job DutiesCleaning, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

Entry Level Sterile Processing and Entry Level Surgical Technologist roles share certifications like CPR but differ in daily tasks and work environments. Sterile Processing focuses on instrument sterilization, while Surgical Technologists assist directly in surgeries. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, but they serve different functions within the surgical team.

What is an entry level sterile processing technician?

Entry level sterile processing technicians are healthcare workers responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They ensure that all tools are free from contaminants to prevent infection and maintain patient safety. These technicians typically work behind the scenes in sterile processing departments and follow strict protocols to handle instruments properly. Entry level positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is often provided, though certification can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in California? For Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings:
Entry Level Sterile Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sterile Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% 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.

Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding (Full-Time, 8-Hour Rotating Shifts)

Stanford Health Care

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Rotating - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
This position assists the pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical services (e.g. processing prescriptions) in compliance with applicable State Board of Pharmacy regulations. Functions include those allowed by the Board of Pharmacy and are always checked before the product is released from the pharmacy. The Pharmacy Technician works under close supervision. Performs entry level work for a minimum of 6 months to about one year (regardless of years of experience gained elsewhere).
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
  • Enters medication orders into the pharmacy system and operates automated dispensing equipment for accurate preparation and storage under pharmacist supervision.
  • Maintains medication inventory; places and receives stock replacement orders.
  • Receive and inspect stock deliveries, ensuring accuracy and proper storage.
  • Perform routine inventory counts, reconcile discrepancies, and update records.
  • Operate and maintain automated inventory and dispensing machines or systems.
  • Monitor expiration dates, removing expired items to minimize waste.
  • Document inventory transactions and maintain accurate records in compliance with policies.
  • Prepares, packages, compounds and labels non-sterile drug products with appropriate final pharmacist checks.

Education Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent Required

Experience Qualifications
  • Six (6) months of progressively responsible and directly related work experience, or Pharmacy
    Technician Externship performed at Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Department of Pharmacy. Required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to adapt to and deal with change and ambiguity
  • Ability to perform routine mathematical calculations; weighing, measuring and documentation with accuracy
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, work independently and meet deadlines
  • Ability to solve problems and identify solutions
  • Ability to speak and write effectively at a level appropriate for the job
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to work in a fast paced work environment
  • Ability to work with devices, information systems, automated and technical equipment utilized in pharmacy
  • Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
  • Knowledge of influence of patient's age, sex, concomitant disease states, concurrent drug therapy, foods and diagnostic procedures on drug activity and disposition
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to areas of functional responsibility
  • Knowledge of Medical terminology and abbreviations; pharmacology and pharmacological nomenclature; medical therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and disease states
  • Knowledge of methods and procedures involved in proper handling and storing of pharmaceutical supplies
  • Knowledge of physiology, anatomy, pathology, chemistry and mathematics as they relate to pharmacy practice

Licenses and Certifications
  • IPH - Intern Pharmacist or
  • CA Licensed Pharmacy Technician

These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford's patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family's perspective:
  • Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
  • Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
  • Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $34.58 - $38.91 per hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.

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