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Sterile Processing Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Sterile Processing Technician - Operating Room *** Eligible for $5,000 sign-on bonus *** Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the ...

Sterile Processing Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$29.98 - $35.80/hr

Sterile Processing Technician - Operating Room *** Eligible for $5,000 sign-on bonus *** Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the ...

Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) to join our team. The SPT will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of ...

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Sterile Processing Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$45

How much do sterile processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing technician in Riverside, CA is $28.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by sterile processing technicians and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Technicians often face challenges such as managing high workloads during peak surgical periods, staying updated on evolving sterilization protocols, and ensuring absolute attention to detail to prevent contamination. Effective time management, continuous education on the latest standards, and strong communication with surgical and nursing staff are key strategies for managing these challenges. Working in a team-oriented environment also helps distribute tasks efficiently and maintain a consistently high standard of care.

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

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Technician, you need in-depth knowledge of infection control, sterilization procedures, and medical instrumentation, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, inventory management systems, and tracking software is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safety and collaboration with surgical teams. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, preventing infections, and supporting efficient healthcare delivery.

Is it hard to get hired as a sterile processing technician?

Getting hired as a sterile processing technician can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CBSPD or ASPT and experience with sterilization equipment can improve job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced healthcare environments.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Technician vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing TechnicianSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile supply, sterilization departmentsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesCleaning, sterilizing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments

While both roles support surgical procedures, Sterile Processing Technicians focus on sterilizing and preparing instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists assist directly during surgeries. Both require specialized certifications and work in healthcare settings, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a sterile processing technician?

Sterile Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and other medical procedures. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by ensuring that all reusable instruments are free of contaminants. Their work typically takes place in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics, where they follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Technicians also keep detailed records of instrument usage and maintenance, supporting overall patient safety.

What does a sterile processing technician do?

A Sterile Processing Technician, or sterile processing tech, is a health care professional who performs sterilization processes in the surgical environment. A Sterile Processing Technician uses specialized equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure all surgical instruments and materials are sterile and safe to use on the patient. They inventory and assess equipment and materials so that the surgical suite is prepared for each procedure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing Technician jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Sterile Processing Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Sterile Processing Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Sterile Processing Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Sterile Processing Technician job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 65% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,660 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Sterile Processing Technician

SpecialtyCare

Loma Linda, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


SpecialtyCare rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SpecialtyCare is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician for a job in Loma Linda, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Sterile Processing Technician
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Staff

Passionate, driven people dedicated to making a
difference in healthcare.
SpecialtyCare
sterile
processing teams play a vital role in the health and well-being of our
patients. By tracking and sterilizing vital surgical instruments, we reduce the
risk of infection, lost instruments, incomplete trays, and surgeon frustration.
Our certified technicians provide the expertise, quality control, and strict
regulatory compliance to keep the operating room running smoothly. Our SPM
supervisors and managers are also instrumental in overseeing operations,
conducting in-service training, and working with hospital administrators and
staff to find and implement efficiencies that provide on-time service delivery,
reduce costs, and ensure patient safety.
Job Summary
As a Sterile Processing Technician
with SpecialtyCare you are responsible for decontamination, cleaning,
processing and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the
department following infection control practices.  It is your responsibility to ensure client
satisfaction while also adhering to the highest quality and compliance standards.
Assure that the standards of
operation of the department comply with the standards set by regulatory
agencies, such as the state Department of Health, Joint Commission and other
regulatory agencies.
Sterilize instruments, equipment,
linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves.  Load autoclaves in prescribed manner and set
controls to specified time and temperature according to the type of items being
sterilized.
Complete appropriate documentation
records prior to sterilization and after sterilization is completed.
Assemble all instrument procedure
trays, packs, supply carts following prescribed manner using protocol content
lists as a guide, mark items with identifying data and distribute or store in
designated areas.
Dispense products requested by
verbal, written or telephone requisitions for equipment and supplies.
Identify and assign priority to
emergency requisitions and required supplies and equipment based on knowledge
of procedure requested.
Replace lost or damaged instruments
as required to complete the tray.
Obtain, complete and submit all
forms following the prescribed manner to verify appropriate work assignments.
Maintain assigned work areas and
equipment in a clean and organized condition to maintain required standards for
handling of sterilized, clean materials and equipment.
May perform other work related
duties as assigned.
Requirements
Associate’s Degree or equivalent, preferred.
CRCST certification or CBSPDS certification required.
Previous experience in sterile processing preferred but not required.
Must have a thorough knowledge aseptic technique, sterilization techniques, infection control requirements, and a basic knowledge of medical/surgical procedure and terminology.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate must bring a high level of ethical, intellectual, professional and personal values that complement the team and company vision.  The following competencies are highly valued:
Works well in a fast-paced environment and with a sense of urgency.
Proven self-starter who works well both independently and in a team environment.
Focused on producing quality work.
Lives the SpecialtyCare Values – Integrity, Care, Teamwork, and Improvement.
SpecialtyCare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
SC SPM

SpecialtyCare Job ID #7267. Posted job title: Sterile Processing Technician

About SpecialtyCare

Start Your Journey with SpecialtyCare


Our versatile experts assist in a broad range of surgeries in ORs across the country, but one of the constants we see is the deep responsibility physicians feel for their procedures’ success and their patients’ health.

Surgeons invest so much of themselves in their work, that it is only right they have a highly trained, capable, and trustworthy team by their side. 

Surgeons need integrated specialists who fully understand their methods and preferences. They need equipment that is perfectly prepped and ready every single time. They need people in the room pushing themselves just as hard as they are to deliver excellence day in and day out. That’s why we work with and train the best in perfusion, IONM, ECMO, surgical assist, minimally invasive surgical support, deep brain stimulation, and more. Discover rewarding roles in allied healthcare that offer growth, development, and the chance to positively impact lives every day.

Benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Vision benefits
  • Discount program
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Medical benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Dental benefits
  • Life insurance

What SpecialtyCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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