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Sterile Processing Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$20.02 - $31.03/hr

Lead, coach, and support Sterile Processing and Surgical Services support staff. * Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and staff engagement. * Foster a ...

$20.02 - $31.03/hr

Lead, coach, and support Sterile Processing and Surgical Services support staff. * Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and staff engagement. * Foster a ...

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Sterile Processing Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$27.40 - $35.62/hr

Sterile Processing Technician Department/Care Stream: Dental LIA Reporting Structure Timecard ... Completion of Dental Assistant training program with a Dental Assisting Certificate preferred but ...

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Sterile Processing Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do sterile processing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing assistant 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 processing assistant?

A Sterile Processing Assistant is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment used in healthcare settings. They ensure all tools are properly disinfected, stored, and distributed to various departments to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. Their duties also include monitoring sterilization processes, maintaining inventory, and following strict infection control protocols. This role is essential in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities to support healthcare professionals in providing safe patient care.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a sterile processing assistant?

As a Sterile Processing Assistant, your daily responsibilities include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment, assembling instrument trays, and maintaining proper documentation of sterilization processes. You will also be responsible for inspecting instruments for damage and ensuring they are stored correctly before being distributed to various hospital or clinical departments. The role often involves working closely with surgical teams and other healthcare staff to anticipate instrument needs and provide support in a timely manner. This position requires strict adherence to infection control protocols and attention to detail to ensure patient safety. You may work shifts including evenings or weekends, as hospitals and clinics require these services around the clock.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sterile processing assistant, and why are they important?

Sterile Processing Assistants require attention to detail, basic knowledge of infection control procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers may prefer completion of a sterile processing certification program. Familiarity with sterilization equipment, tracking systems, and compliance with standards like those from AAMI or IAHCSMM is often needed. Strong time management, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively help individuals excel in fast-paced hospital or clinic settings. These qualifications are vital to ensure the safe preparation and distribution of medical instruments, protecting both staff and patients from potential infections.

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

The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sterile Processing Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sterile Processing Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Sterile Processing Tech II - Sterile Processing - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$27.45 - $46.68/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Under general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator, the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)II serve with basic knowledge of Sterile Processing techniques/skills and is responsible for decontaminating, operationally checking, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation and implants throughout the organization. Operate Steam (autoclave) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers and heat sealers. Store, date, rotate and distribute reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation. All in accordance with department and manufacturer IFU guidelines.

Essential Duties

  • Assemble and package surgical/clinic procedure instrument sets following protocols established by electronic count sheets and manufacturer IFU. Operationally check instrumentation for functionality and cleanliness

  • Disassemble instruments/equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, decontaminate and load automated washers according to manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).

  • Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment according to established protocols and professional standards. Maintain sterilization documentation related to items processed, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

  • Dispense sterile instrumentation to appropriate locations in the Sterile Storage and OR. Maintain sterile inventory through par level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance. Proper distribution of sterile clinic instrumentation..

  • Maintain timely and efficient process flows through communication with outside departments and sterile processing technicians in other assignments. Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians in the duties listed above.

  • Troubleshoot and address routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues. Interface with OR, ancillary departments, and other customers to resolve issues. Receive loaner trays via Casechek and communicate with outside companies to help resolve instrument issues.

  • Prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.

  • Must be knowledgeable of and adhere to all SPD policies/procedures/SOPs in performance of duties.

  • Prepares OR case carts and places any missing items on the OR shortage list. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization.

  • Obtain knowledge of documentation and logging of information and use of the Censitrac tracking system

  • May train or provide guidance or work direction to the Sterile Processing Technician I as needed.

  • Performs all other duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

  • Req High School or equivalent

  • Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program. If no completion of program, must have an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Tech.

  • If no completion of program, must have an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Tech.

  • Req 1 year Sterile Processing

  • Req Basic knowledge of computer systems including Windows OS, keyboard and mouse operation.

  • Req Ability to operate complex machinery including washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.

  • Req Demonstrated ability to competently perform multiple, complex tasks.

  • Req Knowledge of medical terminology

Required Licenses/Certifications

  • Req Sterile Processing Certification Current Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician through an accredited organization (HSPA, CBSPD) or Valid Certified Surgical Tech (CST) or Surgery-Certified Credential (TS-C) from CAAHEP or ABHES certification (Must be maintained by renewal before expiration date).

  • Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

Keck Hospital of USC, a 343-bed acute care hospital, provides exceptional and innovative care for complex medical and surgical conditions across a wide range of specialties. The hospital's world-renowned physicians deliver compassionate, customized, patient-centered care and treat the most acutely ill patients with highly innovative techniques and treatment plans. As a leading academic medical center, hundreds of clinical trials are currently taking place at Keck Hospital and its affiliated research institutions, giving patients access to novel and promising therapies that are generally not available elsewhere. Every day at Keck Hospital, physicians, nurses and staff go beyond the science of exceptional medicine to bring patients breakthroughs in the art of caring. Join this world-class team providing highly specialized care, up-to-the-minute research, and innovative clinical trials.
The hourly rate range for this position is $27.45 - $46.68.
When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
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If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$151681.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880