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Sterile Process Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LanceSoft

Travel Sterile Processing Tech

Davis, CA · On-site

Allied Sterile Processing Tech About LanceSoft Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a Certified MBE and Woman-Owned organization. Lancesoft Inc. is one of the highest rated companies in the industry. We ...

HiredFirst

Sterile Processing Tech

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$1.1K - $1.3K/wk

Prepare and process general, trauma, and robotic surgical instrumentation for operating room use * Ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and compliance with infection control and sterilization ...

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Sterile Process Tech information

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$13

$27

$43

How much do sterile process tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile process 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 sterile process tech?

Sterile Process Technicians, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians or Central Sterile Technicians, are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and surgical centers. They play a critical role in preventing infections by ensuring all surgical tools and devices are properly decontaminated and safe for use. Their work supports patient safety and allows medical teams to perform procedures efficiently. Sterile Process Techs must follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment to meet health and safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Process Tech, you need knowledge of infection control, sterilization procedures, and medical terminology, usually supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Proficiency with autoclaves, sterilization equipment, inventory management systems, and tracking software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, prevent infections, and maintain smooth operations in healthcare facilities.

What are some common challenges sterile process techs face, and how can they be addressed?

Sterile Process Techs often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to sterilization protocols, managing high workloads, and keeping up with evolving healthcare regulations. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes can impact patient safety. Effective communication with surgical teams and other departments helps ensure equipment is delivered on time and meets necessary standards. Continuous training and staying updated on best practices can help techs navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Sterile Process Tech vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Process TechSurgical Technologist
CertificationsTypically requires sterile processing certificationsRequires surgical technology certification (CST)
Work EnvironmentSterile processing departments, sterilization unitsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, sterilization companiesHospitals, surgical centers, clinics
Job FocusCleaning, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments

While both roles involve working in healthcare settings with surgical instruments, Sterile Process Techs focus on sterilization and instrument preparation, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and are vital to surgical team operations, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How do I become a sterile process tech?

To become a sterile process technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in sterilization procedures and infection control. Many employers require certification such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) or equivalent, and on-the-job training is common to develop skills with sterilization equipment and protocols.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile process tech?

Getting hired as a sterile process tech can be competitive, but having relevant certifications, such as Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), and experience with sterilization equipment improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with attention to detail, knowledge of infection control protocols, and the ability to work in fast-paced healthcare environments.

Is it worth becoming a sterile process tech?

A sterile process technician plays a critical role in healthcare by sterilizing and preparing medical equipment to ensure patient safety. The job offers steady employment, typically requires attention to detail and knowledge of sterilization procedures, and often involves certifications such as the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT).

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Sterile Process Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sterile Process Tech job openings:

Sterile Process Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sterile Process Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech II

Northridge, CA • On-site

Northridge Hospital Medical Center
Hospitals • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northridge Hospital Medical Centerexternal

$26.79 - $33.66/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Dignity Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 288 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Sterile Processing Tech II, you will ensure patient safety and surgical efficiency by meticulously decontaminating, sterilizing, and assembling all medical instruments and equipment. Your precise work is fundamental to infection control and positive patient outcomes across clinical areas.
Every day, you will expertly process surgical instruments, maintain accurate documentation, test equipment, and manage inventory according to strict protocols. You'll adhere to infection control standards, troubleshoot equipment, and contribute to a safe, efficient sterile processing environment.
To be successful, you'll need exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, excellent communication for coordination, and a profound commitment to sterile technique and patient safety. Self-motivation and adaptability are essential in this critical, fast-paced support service role.

Responsibilities: 

  • Cleans and decontaminates surgical instruments and other medical equipment following established policy and procedure.
  • Inspects, assembles, packages, and sterilizes medical devices following manufacturer's recommendations and established procedure.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge and understanding of the principles of sterilization, asepsis, infection control, and universal safety precautions.
  • Understands and utilizes department logs or computers to document the processing steps. Use of hospital instrument tracking systems in all designated areas.
  • Disassembles, cleans, or decontaminates surgical instruments per manufacturer's recommendations, including but not limited to ultrasonic cleaning.
  • Maintains supply levels of all items required for daily use supplies and effectively communicates with those responsible for ordering.

This position is represented by SEIU-UHW and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Requirements

Requirements: 

  • High School / GED Graduate required.
  • Minimum of two years of experience with surgical instrumentation required.
  • Minimum two years prior sterile processing or surgical tech experience required. 
  • Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or surgical tech program required.
  • Certified and Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) required.
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Supervisor (CSPDS) required. 
  • Certified Sterile Processing and Dist Tech (CSPDT-CBSPD) required. 
  • Current AHA BLS card required
  • Fire Card (within 90 days of hire) required.

Preferred: 

  • Associate's degree from an accredited institution preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution preferred.
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge, California. The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services, including the Leavey Cancer Center, a cardiovascular center, stroke center, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, a pediatric medical center, and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. As a leading provider of compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care, we share a rich legacy with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. We are part of a 21-state network of nearly 9,000 physicians, 62,000 employees and more than 400 care centers. Visit here  dignityhealth.org/northridgehospital for more information.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


Pay Range
$26.79 - $33.66 /hour

What Dignity Health employees say

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About Dignity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We welcome the chance to help you feel your best. Excellent, affordable health care, delivered with compassion, is what we stand for. Since our founding in 1986, we've made it our goal to create environments that meet each patient's physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We also believe this healing philosophy promotes the wellbeing of our staff and the places they serve. Dignity Health is made up of more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in 21 states. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California. Through teamwork and innovation, faith and compassion, advocacy and action, we endeavor every day to keep you happy, healthy, and whole.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

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