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Sterile Process Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

MTK Healthcare

Sterile Processing Tech

Chico, CA · On-site

Epic Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Sterile Processing Technician to join a dynamic healthcare team in a Level II trauma facility. This role is critical in ensuring the proper ...

HiredFirst

Sterile Processing Tech

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$1.5K/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 ...

Tenet Health

Sterile Processing Tech

Turlock, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Qualifications Successful completion of Sterile Processing Program. Must be available to take call to ensure patient care needs are met. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to ...

Shrinerschildrens

Sterile Processing Tech

Pasadena, CA

$26.25 - $48.74/hr

The Sterile Processing Technician decontaminates, cleans, assembles, requisitions, stores, and sterilizes supplies, instruments sets, and trays according to policy and procedure while using aseptic ...

Tenet Health

Sterile Processing Tech

Turlock, CA

Successful completion of Sterile Processing Program. Must be available to take call to ensure patient care needs are met. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to read, write and ...

Tenet Health

Sterile Processing Tech

Turlock, CA

Successful completion of Sterile Processing Program. Must be available to take call to ensure patient care needs are met. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to read, write and ...

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Sterile Process Tech information

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$13

$27

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How much do sterile process tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), and experience with sterilization equipment can improve job prospects. Employers often look for attention to detail, knowledge of infection control protocols, and the ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

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, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician II - Sterile Processing

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$25.41 - $35.35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 1,060 rated hospitals

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the proper decontamination, assembly, packaging and sterilization of instruments and equipment for RCHSD, in addition to maintaining the proper supply chain inventories for the Surgical Services Department. Minimizes the operating expenses for the patient and facility without compromising the quality of patient care. Follows established RCHSD Sterile Processing policies and procedures based on the ANSI/AAMI Standards ST79.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma, GED or foreign equivalent
National Sterile Processing Tech Certification with HSPA or CBSPD for employees hired after 02/28/2025
6 months of experience in a Sterile Processing department in either an inpatient or outpatient setting
Demonstrates ability to work proficiently and independently in all areas of SPD (Main and Center Core) or capable to act as an RCHSD Service Coordinator or Shift Lead
Basic computer skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate's Degree
Experience in Supply Chain Management
The current salary range for this position is $25.41 to $35.35
A candidate's placement in the range will be determined based on the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Rady Children's Hospital is committed to being externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by reviewing market data to remain competitive within the nonprofit, healthcare sector. This posting will remain open from the "date posted" until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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