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Infection Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Travel Rn Specialty Infection Control City/State: Novato, California Shift: 8:30am-5pm, 8 Hour Days Contract Length: 13 weeks Start Date: 04/10/2026 See attached. Client Details Address 75 Rowland ...

Infection Control Nurse

Auburn, CA · On-site

$78K - $105K/yr

Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary. Maintain a reference library of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day to day needs of ...

Infection Control Nurse

Auburn, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary. Maintain a reference library of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day to day needs of ...

Manager, Infection Control

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$149K - $217K/yr

Manager, Infection Control Expectations: The Manager of Infection Control will have the authority and 24 hour responsibility for ensuring strategies are implemented to prevent avoidable healthcare ...

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Also responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating infection control and prevention within the hospital. * This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling ...

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Infection Control information

See California salary details

$43

$133

$189

How much do infection control jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for infection control in California is $133.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.09 and $189.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is infection control?

Infection control refers to the policies and procedures used to minimize the risk of spreading infections, particularly in hospitals and healthcare settings. Infection control professionals work to prevent and manage the transmission of infectious diseases among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. This includes implementing hygiene practices, sterilization protocols, and monitoring outbreaks. Effective infection control helps ensure patient safety and protects public health.

What are the qualifications to get a job in infection control?

The qualifications that you need to get a career in infection control include specialized education, healthcare knowledge, and investigative and planning skills. If your responsibilities involve directly treating patients, you need at least an associate degree in nursing and a nursing license. Since these positions require advanced knowledge of infectious diseases and the associated dangers, employers prefer nurses and practitioners with extensive experience in infectious disease treatment and at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Infectious disease coordinators may need a degree in public health in addition to or instead of a master’s degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an infection control professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Infection Control professional, you need a background in microbiology or nursing, knowledge of infection prevention protocols, and usually a relevant certification such as CIC (Certification in Infection Control). Familiarity with epidemiological surveillance systems, data analysis tools, and regulatory guidelines like those from the CDC or WHO is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and analytical thinking are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities are vital to effectively prevent and manage healthcare-associated infections, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in infection control roles, and how can they be addressed?

Infection Control professionals often face challenges such as ensuring staff compliance with protocols, keeping up with evolving regulations, and managing outbreaks swiftly. Navigating resistance to change and promoting a culture of safety can require strong communication and education skills. Successful Infection Control specialists frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, provide ongoing training, and stay updated through continuing education to effectively address these challenges.

What is the difference between Infection Control vs Medical Assistant?

AspectInfection ControlMedical Assistant
CertificationsCertified in Infection Control (CIC), OSHA trainingCertified Medical Assistant (CMA), CPR certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, public health settingsDoctor's offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals
Job FocusPreventing and managing infections, compliance with health standardsAssisting with patient care, administrative tasks, clinical support

Infection Control specialists focus on preventing and managing infections within healthcare settings, requiring specific certifications like CIC. Medical Assistants support clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare facilities. While both roles work in healthcare environments, Infection Control professionals concentrate on infection prevention, whereas Medical Assistants provide direct patient care and support.

Is infection control a good career?

Infection control is a vital healthcare profession focused on preventing the spread of infections through practices like sanitation, sterilization, and monitoring. It often requires certifications such as CIC and involves working in healthcare settings, laboratories, or public health agencies, offering stable employment and opportunities for advancement.

Is infection control a stressful job?

Infection control professionals often work in high-pressure environments, especially during outbreaks or emergencies, which can contribute to job stress. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to strict protocols, and sometimes irregular hours, all of which can impact stress levels.

What does an infection control specialist do?

An infection control specialist develops and implements procedures to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. They monitor infection rates, conduct staff training, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often requiring knowledge of microbiology and relevant certifications. Their work helps protect patients and staff from infectious diseases.

What is the career path for infection control?

The career path for infection control professionals typically begins with roles such as infection control technician or specialist, often requiring a background in healthcare or microbiology. Advancement can lead to positions like infection control nurse, supervisor, or manager, with additional certifications such as CIC (Certified in Infection Control) supporting career growth. Experience in healthcare settings, strong knowledge of infection prevention protocols, and ongoing education are important for progression.

What are the most commonly searched types of Infection Control jobs in California?

The most popular types of Infection Control jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Infection Control jobs?

Cities in California with the most Infection Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Infection Control job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $277,616 per year, or $133.5 per hour.

Infection Control Manager

Infection Control

San Gabriel, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Infection Control Practitioner

Under the guidance and oversight of the ICP/Infectious Disease Physician, the position is responsible for monitoring, controlling and reducing nosocomial infections. Also responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating infection control and prevention within the hospital.

This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support San Gabriel Valley Medical Center's strategic plan and the goals and direction of the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Responsibilities
  • Provides orientation/review classes for hospital employees on the policies, standards and practices of Infection Control relative to their scope of responsibilities.
  • Conducts educational programs for Nursing Staff and other associates.
  • Serves as principal working member of the Infection Control Committee, by influencing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures developed by the Committee.
  • Collaborates with Nursing and Medical Staff in assessing known or suspected infection in patients, and implementing appropriate control measures to insure that care is not compromised for patients requiring isolation.
  • Participates in establishing and evaluating policies for the Employee Health Department with regard to infection prevention and control, assists EHD Staff in investigations of patient-to-employee and employee-to-patient cross-infections.
  • Consults with, and makes recommendations to hospital employees in ancillary departments regarding isolation procedures, environmental cleaning, handling of infectious waste, disinfection, sterilization and in the selection of equipment.
  • May act in consultative capacity to other health care agencies or providers by assisting in investigation of suspect problem, staff development/education, etc.
  • Reviews and disseminates new information on infection control measures to appropriate individuals or departments within the hospital.
  • Plans and supervises on-going surveillance of known or suspected infection in patient or employees.
  • Detects outbreaks or other special problems; provides recommendations of activities to control/prevent infection in patients and employees.
  • Evaluates effectiveness of adherence to Infection Control Policies to identify practices, equipment, supplies and/or new products which constitute a risk or breakdown in infection control measures.
  • Analyzes data collected to institute appropriate remedial measures. Utilizes reporting mechanisms to inform and motivate hospital employees and provides data to the Infection Control Committee and appropriate others.
  • Assists members of the Medical Staff in reporting reportable communicable disease to local, county, state and federal health authorities as appropriate.
  • Makes environmental rounds throughout hospital and clinics for the purpose of alerting the professional and nursing staffs to possible infections, as well as monitoring compliance with Infection Control Procedures.
  • Conducts studies relevant to Infection Control Programs to assist the Infection Control Committee in policy development and evaluation.
  • Disseminates and interprets infection surveillance data to various committees.
  • Assists Infection Control Committee in planning corrective actions and establishing future goals and objectives.
  • Translates Committee decisions into action, assists in distributing guidelines to hospital personnel, assesses implementation of same documents and reports outcome to Committee, making recommendations for further action as appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in nursing or health care related field required.

Minimum 3 years acute care experience.

Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish/Chinese/Vietnamese)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

CIC Certification preferred