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Instrument Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Instrument Tech

Long Beach, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Instrument Mechanic

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$50 - $59/hr

Instrument Mechanic Location: Los Angeles, CA Pay: Up to $60/hr Are you an experienced Instrument Mechanic with a background in industrial controls, process instrumentation, or HVAC controls? We are ...

Manager, Instrument AIT

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$184K - $202K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Manager of Instrument Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) to build, mentor, and guide a multidisciplinary team of optical integration engineers, optical and camera test ...

Instrument Tech

Compton, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $110/hr

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

Manager, Instrument AIT

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$184K - $202K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Manager of Instrument Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) to build, mentor, and guide a multidisciplinary team of optical integration engineers, optical and camera test ...

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Instrument information

See California salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument 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 is an instrument technician?

Instrument technicians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing instruments and control systems used in industrial and manufacturing settings. These instruments may include sensors, gauges, control devices, and monitoring equipment that help ensure processes run safely and efficiently. Instrument technicians often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their tasks are crucial for maintaining product quality, safety standards, and operational efficiency.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like ISA CAP can be important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the precise operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex control and instrumentation systems in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by instrument technicians in industrial settings?

Instrument Technicians often work in environments where precision and safety are paramount, such as manufacturing plants or refineries. A common challenge is troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems under tight time constraints, especially during equipment malfunctions or plant shutdowns. Technicians must stay updated with rapidly evolving technology and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication with engineers, operators, and other team members is essential to ensure seamless operations and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Instrument vs Technician?

AspectInstrumentTechnician
Required CredentialsCertification in instrument calibration or maintenanceTechnical diploma or associate degree in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, field sitesManufacturing facilities, maintenance departments
Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsCommonly employed in maintenance and repair roles within similar industries
Job FocusCalibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentsInstalling, repairing, and servicing equipment and instruments

In summary, an Instrument primarily focuses on calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of measurement devices, often requiring specialized certifications. A Technician, on the other hand, handles installation, repair, and maintenance of a broader range of equipment, including instruments, usually with a technical diploma. Both roles are vital in industrial settings but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

Is instrumentation a good career?

Instrumentation is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing control systems and equipment used in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of tools like sensors and controllers. The field offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What is a career that uses instruments?

A career that uses instruments includes roles such as instrument technicians, repair specialists, and calibration engineers, who work with various measurement and testing devices across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. These professionals often require technical skills, knowledge of specific instruments, and safety training to ensure proper operation and maintenance.

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

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Instrument jobs?

Cities in California with the most Instrument job openings:

Infographic showing various Instrument job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,921 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Instrument Tech

St Mary Medical Center

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$25.27 - $31.76/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Clean, sterilize, assemble, and inspect surgical instruments and trays to ensure they are sterile and ready for use.

  • Operate sterilization equipment and maintain accurate records related to instrument processing.

  • Perform activities related to decontamination, organization, and assembly of instrument sets after surgical procedures.


Job description


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 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.
Job Requirements

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.
Where You'll Work

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 Californiaย 

Qualifications:

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.
Employment Type: PRN