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Lead Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft INC

Sterile Processing Tech

Modesto, CA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.3K/wk

Sterile Processing Tech (SPT) Facility: Instrumentam Address: Modesto CA Contract term: 13 Weeks Shift: Nights Hours per day: 8Hrs Guaranteed hours per week : 40Hrs Weekley gross : $1300.00 Company ...

HENRY MAYO NEWHALL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

The SPD Tech Lead provides functional direction and training to the SPD Techs and is the Subject ... Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through Healthcare Sterile Processing ...

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Lead Sterile Processing Tech information

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$13

$27

$43

How much do lead sterile processing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead sterile processing tech 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 is a lead sterile processing tech?

A Lead Sterile Processing Tech is a healthcare professional responsible for overseeing the sterilization and preparation of surgical instruments and medical equipment in hospitals or clinics. They supervise sterile processing staff, ensure compliance with safety and sterilization protocols, and help manage inventory and workflow. In addition to performing technical tasks, they often provide training and support to other technicians, and serve as a liaison between the sterile processing department and other hospital departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead sterile processing tech?

To thrive as a Lead Sterile Processing Tech, you need comprehensive knowledge of sterilization procedures, infection control, and decontamination techniques, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, tracking software, and inventory management systems is crucial for managing surgical instrument workflow. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help coordinate team efforts and maintain compliance with safety standards. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance, and the smooth operation of surgical services.

What are some common challenges lead sterile processing techs face, and how can they effectively address them?

Lead Sterile Processing Techs often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing surgical schedules, maintaining strict compliance with sterilization protocols, and managing team workflow under pressure. Effective communication and organization are key to overcoming these challenges, as is staying current with industry standards and ongoing training. Collaborating closely with surgical teams and hospital staff helps ensure that instruments are processed efficiently and correctly, minimizing delays and supporting patient safety.

What is the difference between Lead Sterile Processing Tech vs Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectLead Sterile Processing TechSterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPD, CRCST, or CBSPD; often requires leadership experienceCPD, CRCST, or CBSPD; entry to mid-level certification
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, manages workflow in hospital or surgical centerPerforms sterilization and processing tasks in sterile processing department
ResponsibilitiesOversees sterilization processes, trains staff, ensures compliancePrepares, sterilizes, and inspects surgical instruments

The Lead Sterile Processing Tech typically has more leadership duties, oversight responsibilities, and may require additional certifications. They coordinate team efforts and ensure compliance, whereas the Sterile Processing Technician focuses on executing sterilization tasks. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, but the lead position involves more supervisory and organizational responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Sterile Processing Tech jobs in California?

For Lead Sterile Processing Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Sterile Processing Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Sterile Processing Tech jobs in California are:

Lead Sterile Processing Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Sterile Processing Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Lead - Sterile Processing Technician

La Quinta, CA • On-site

Tenet Desert
See more jobs at Tenet Desertexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Tenet Desert is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician Lead for a job in La Quinta, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Sterile Processing Technician
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

Shift: Rotate

Job type: Full Time

Hours: 

Lead Technician will facilitate daily operations and maximize staff efficiency, monitor staff productivity and performance and will serve as a role model and resource to staff, other departments, vendors and physicians.
Demonstrates knowledge of the step-by-step process for instrument sterilization. Displays dexterity in the handling of all instrumentation. Anticipates instrumentation/equipment required on a daily basis as well as what is needed for the next day's cases. Utilizes and understands clean and aseptic technique. Maintains and coordinates repairs on all equipment not in use. i.e., IV pumps, Gomco suctions, PCA pumps, sequential pressure stockings, and K-thermia warming blankets.
Maintains instrumentation by proper cleaning, care utilization, and sterilization as required. Instrumentation/equipment turnover for "to follow" cases is efficient and consistent with appropriate time frames. Makes recommendations to Charge Nurse/Director for procurement and maintenance of equipment. Monitors the proper functioning of the Autoclave (sterilizer), required temperature reached, full cycle completed, and test indicator present. Thoroughly cleans all instruments prior to sterilization to assure no debris is left on instruments prior to putting into sterilizer. Demonstrates the ability to identify malfunctioning sterilizers through interpretation of test results. Assembles a wide variety of instrument sets ensuring accuracy, including listing missing instruments and signing the instrument set list according to protocol, as assigned. Assembles instruments and places on appropriate trays. Has ability to decontaminate, assemble and wrap instruments and trays for sterilization. Maintains Hospital educational and compliance requirements annually.
Accurately performs quality control checks on instruments and equipment. Performs duties with an awareness of cost containment. Demonstrates professional maturity in all interactions. Takes initiative to recognize and report appropriate areas of concern. Able to organize, plan and set priorities and complete assignments with minimal assistance and within designated work hours. Serves as role model and resource for new staff in the department.
 

1.    Effective written and verbal communication skills.
2.    Ability to prioritize tasks independently.
3.    Work cooperatively with a wide variety of team members.
4.    Sterile Processing Certification within six months of hire.
 

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Tenet Desert Job ID #2603018331. Posted job title: Lead Sterile Processing Tech Fulltime Rotate

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