ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surgery Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical ... As a Robot Optics Intern at Neuralink, you will build, characterize, and calibrate optical and ...

Stryker

Intern, Customer Services

Petaluma, CA · On-site

The intern, placed within the relevant division and supported by the assigned tutor, will have the ... The company offers innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSurgery Intern JobsSurgery Intern Jobs in California

Surgery Intern information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do surgery intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery intern in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the average surgery intern make?

The average salary for a surgery intern typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the location, hospital, and level of training. Interns usually work long hours in a clinical environment and may receive benefits such as stipends or housing allowances.

What is a surgery intern?

Surgery interns are medical school graduates in their first year of postgraduate medical training, also known as residency. They work under the supervision of senior residents and attending surgeons, assisting with surgeries, performing basic procedures, and managing patient care before and after operations. The internship year is a foundational period where they gain hands-on experience, develop clinical skills, and learn to navigate the hospital environment. Surgery interns often work long hours and are exposed to various surgical specialties as they prepare for more specialized training.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a surgery intern during their rotation?

As a Surgery Intern, you can expect to be actively involved in pre-operative and post-operative patient care, assisting in surgeries under supervision, and participating in daily rounds with the surgical team. You'll gain hands-on experience in various procedures, learn to manage surgical patients, and develop critical decision-making skills. The role is fast-paced and demanding, but it offers valuable mentorship from attending surgeons and residents, providing a strong foundation for future surgical training.

What do you do as a surgery intern?

A surgery intern assists surgeons by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and observing surgeries to gain hands-on experience. They may also perform basic patient assessments, document medical information, and support surgical teams under supervision, often working long hours in a hospital setting. Developing skills in anatomy, aseptic techniques, and teamwork is essential during this training period.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgery intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgery Intern, you need a solid grounding in medical fundamentals, surgical procedures, and clinical judgment, generally supported by a medical degree and completion of required licensing exams. Familiarity with electronic health records, surgical instruments, and operating room protocols is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, resilience, and effective communication enable interns to excel under pressure and learn from experienced surgeons. These skills ensure patient safety, facilitate learning in high-stakes environments, and support seamless collaboration within surgical teams.

What is the difference between Surgery Intern vs Surgery Resident?

AspectSurgery InternSurgery Resident
CredentialsMedical degree (MD or DO), medical licenseCompleted medical degree, in residency training
Work EnvironmentHospital rotations, supervised clinical settingsAdvanced surgical procedures, independent decision-making
Employer & IndustryHospitals, academic medical centersHospitals, surgical departments, academic institutions
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level surgical training, internship rolesAdvanced surgical training, specialization

In summary, a Surgery Intern is typically a medical graduate in their initial clinical training phase, focusing on gaining foundational surgical experience under supervision. A Surgery Resident has completed medical school and is undergoing specialized surgical training, performing more complex procedures with greater independence.

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

The most popular types of Surgery jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surgery Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surgery Intern job openings:

Surgery Intern jobs near you

Surgical Technician I - Surgery - Full Time 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$34.40 - $55.08/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours 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

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Under direct supervision and general guidance of the Registered Nurse, the Surgical Tech I applies, demonstrates, and possesses basic knowledge, competencies, and skills of surgical and aseptic techniques and practices; assists the surgical team and performs a variety of tasks in an operating room; prepares sterilizes, and cleans up surgical equipment and instruments; and is responsible for the care and safety of patients who come under his/her care. The Surgical Tech I is generally assigned basic surgical/operative procedures and is expected to gain the skills and abilities to independently scrub in all surgical/operative procedures.
Essential Duties:
  • Performs operative room scrub responsibilities in all surgical/operative procedures.
  • Adheres to all safety standards and policies (such as surgical, specimen collection, sterile processing, Title 22, JCAHO) as they relate while performing all responsibilities.
  • Applies principles of aseptic technique and initiates prompt corrective action when breaks in aseptic technique occur.
  • Remains attentive throughout the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and responds appropriately during emergency intraoperative crises.
  • Maintains ongoing communication with the circulating nurse and other members of the surgical team regarding changes in patient status or the progress of surgery.
  • Arranges and inventories sterile set-up for operation.
  • Facilitates the smooth flow of the surgical intervention (i.e., prepares for the procedure with updated preference cards, knowledge of instruments and equipment).
  • Performs scrub role (such as anticipating surgical team's needs, passing of instruments, cutting sutures, etc.) according to standards.
  • Prepares, cleans, and maintains instruments, equipment, and all surgical related items in accordance to established guidelines.
  • Transports patients, equipment, supplies, and specimens.
  • Prepares operating room (OR) by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies in according to type of case/operative procedure.
  • Performs the preceptor role in the training of students.
  • Participates in decision-marking activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
  • Recommends, implements, and participates process improvement projects on an ongoing basis.
  • May assist in performing circulating skills and task.
  • Performs all duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Req High School or equivalent
  • Req Specialized/technical training CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technician Program
  • Req 1 year One-year experience as a Surgical Technician or as a Surgical Technician intern required. *Surgical Technician intern experience must be paid and completed at Keck Medicine of USC.
  • Req Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six (6) months prior to application
  • Req Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
  • Req Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.

Preferred Qualifications:
Required Licenses/Certifications:
  • Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
  • 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)

The hourly rate range for this position is $34.40 - $55.08. 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 the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for 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 at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

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$149716.htmld

What University Of Southern California employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Southern California logo

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

View All University of Southern California Jobs

Apply