ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrument Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CommonSpirit Health

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA · On-site

One California As our Certified Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment. Every day, you will meticulously clean ...

St Mary Medical Center

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$25.27 - $31.76/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Certified Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment. Every day ...

St Mary Medical Center

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA

$25.27 - $31.76/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Certified Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment. Every day, you will ...

St Mary Medical Center

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA

$25.27 - $31.76/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Certified Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment. Every day, you will ...

World Oil

Instrument Tech

Compton, CA · On-site

The Instrument Technician is responsible for specifying, installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining a variety of electrical, electronic, and pneumatic instrumentation and ...

World Oil Corp.

Instrument Tech

Compton, CA · On-site

The Instrument Technician is responsible for specifying, installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining a variety of electrical, electronic, and pneumatic instrumentation and ...

World Oil

Instrument Tech

Compton, CA · On-site

$48 - $50/hr

The Instrument Technician is responsible for specifying, installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining a variety of electrical, electronic, and pneumatic instrumentation and ...

St Johns Regional Medical Center

SPD Tech II

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$28.61 - $35.96/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment. Every day, you will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInstrument Tech JobsInstrument Tech Jobs in California

Instrument Tech information

See California salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrument tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument tech in California is $29.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrument tech do?

An Instrument Tech, or Instrumentation Technician, is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems used in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants, refineries, or power stations. Their work ensures that measuring devices and automation systems are functioning correctly to maintain safety, efficiency, and quality in production processes. Instrument Techs work with various equipment, including pressure gauges, flow meters, sensors, and control valves, and often use specialized tools and diagnostic software to troubleshoot issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Tech, you need a solid understanding of electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical instrumentation, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation technology. Familiarity with calibration tools, process control systems, and industry standards such as ISA or relevant certifications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with engineering teams. These competencies ensure accurate instrumentation, minimize downtime, and support safe, efficient operations in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges instrument techs face when working on-site in industrial settings?

Instrument Techs often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex instrumentation under time pressure, adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, and ensuring compliance with strict safety protocols. Working in industrial environments means dealing with noisy, confined, or hazardous areas, so strong attention to detail and adherence to safety standards are essential. Collaboration with engineers, electricians, and operators is frequent, requiring clear communication to minimize downtime and ensure accurate equipment calibration.

What is the difference between Instrument Tech vs Instrument Repair Technician?

AspectInstrument TechInstrument Repair Technician
CertificationsTypically requires certifications like CTT or equivalentOften requires specialized repair certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentWorks in industrial, manufacturing, or laboratory settingsPrimarily in repair shops, maintenance facilities, or industrial plants
Job FocusInstallation, calibration, maintenance of instrumentsDiagnosing, repairing, and overhauling instruments
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsFound in industrial, manufacturing, and service sectors

While both roles involve working with instruments, Instrument Techs focus on installation, calibration, and routine maintenance, whereas Instrument Repair Technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing instrument malfunctions. The roles often overlap, but the Repair Technician typically requires more specialized repair skills and certifications.

How to get into an instrument tech?

To become an instrument technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an associate degree in instrumentation, electronics, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Familiarity with calibration tools and safety procedures is also important in this role.

Is an instrument technician in high demand?

Instrument technicians are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities due to the need for maintenance, calibration, and repair of control systems and instrumentation. Employment prospects are strong for those with technical skills, certifications, and experience working with tools like multimeters and calibration equipment. The role often offers steady employment and opportunities for advancement in industrial environments.

Is instrument tech a stressful job?

Instrument technicians often work in environments that require attention to detail and safety, which can be stressful during urgent repairs or tight deadlines. The job may involve working with complex equipment and sometimes irregular hours, but stress levels vary depending on the work setting and individual experience.

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Tech jobs in California?

For Instrument Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrument Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Tech jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Instrument Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Instrument Tech job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Tech jobs in CA?

For Instrument Tech jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Instrument Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,921 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA • On-site

CommonSpirit Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about CommonSpirit Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 548 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S., from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services, CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources, CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities, advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable, and innovating how and where healing can happen, both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


As our Certified Instrument Tech, you will ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment.
Every day, you will meticulously clean, sterilize, assemble, and inspect surgical instruments and trays, operate sterilization equipment, and maintain accurate records.
To be successful, you will demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of sterilization principles, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, ensuring all instruments are sterile and ready.

  • Demonstrates adherence to the Standards of Conduct Requirements. Completes and turns in the SOC acknowledgement card. -fulfils compliance education requirements as directed by the compliance department or department management.
  • Performs instrument room activities, relating to the decontamination, organization, and assembly of instrument sets after surgical procedures.
  • Maintains adequate levels of supplies for repackaging of instruments, instrument decontamination, Steris units, and autoclave testing.
  • Adds instrumentation to case carts for scheduled add-on cases. Maintains communication with scrub and circulating personnel regarding instrumentation.
  • Demonstrates ability to adapt to changes in the workload as required. Recognizes personal strengths and weaknesses; handles frustrations appropriately.
  • Provides for patient safety according to TJC standards. Properly identifies the patient per policy. Complies with current CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines. Writes legibly.

Required

  • Minimum of three years in a Central Service or Surgical instrument processing area preferred
  • Certification in Central Sterile Processing through the Certified Board for Sterile Processing *CBSPD or International Association of Healthcare Central Services Materials Management (IAHCSMM) within one year of hire.
  • Knowledge and ability to use aseptic technique.
  • Communicates and works effectively with others.
  • Accountable for self and subordinates.
  • Basic Computer knowledge including OneSOURCE.
  • AHA BLS card.

What CommonSpirit Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply