1

Surgical Tech Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Surgical Tech Instructor information

See California salary details

$18

$34

$52

How much do surgical tech instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical tech instructor in California is $34.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.38 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a surgical tech instructor do?

A Surgical Tech Instructor is responsible for teaching and training students who are pursuing a career as surgical technologists. They develop instructional materials, deliver lectures, and provide hands-on training in simulated or clinical environments. Instructors also assess student performance, ensure adherence to safety and ethical standards, and help students prepare for certification exams. Their goal is to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work effectively in operating rooms alongside surgeons and medical teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical tech instructor?

To thrive as a Surgical Tech Instructor, you need an in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and a background as a certified surgical technologist, often supported by teaching credentials or relevant educational experience. Familiarity with simulation technology, electronic learning platforms, and accreditation standards is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and mentorship abilities help instructors effectively guide and inspire students. These skills ensure graduates are well-prepared for the operating room and uphold high standards of patient care and safety.

What are some common challenges surgical tech instructors face when transitioning from clinical practice to teaching?

Surgical Tech Instructors often find that moving from a hands-on clinical environment to the classroom requires adapting their communication style and learning new teaching methodologies. One common challenge is translating complex surgical procedures into clear, understandable lessons for students with varying experience levels. Additionally, instructors must stay current with evolving surgical technologies and best practices to provide the most relevant training. Balancing administrative tasks, curriculum development, and student mentorship can also be demanding, but many find the role highly rewarding as they help shape the next generation of surgical technologists.

What is the difference between Surgical Tech Instructor vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical Tech InstructorSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertification (CST), teaching credentials often preferredCertification (CST), on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClassroom, clinical labs, training facilitiesHospitals, surgical centers, clinics
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, training programsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Primary FocusTeaching surgical tech skills and knowledgeAssisting in surgical procedures, preparing operating rooms

In summary, Surgical Tech Instructors focus on educating and training future surgical technologists, often working in classrooms and labs, while Surgical Technologists work directly in surgical settings assisting during procedures. Both roles require certification, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a surgical tech instructor?

To become a surgical tech instructor, you typically need to have experience as a certified surgical technologist, hold certification such as the CST, and obtain a teaching credential or instructor certification if required. Many programs also prefer candidates with teaching experience or advanced knowledge of surgical procedures and sterile techniques. Gaining experience in the operating room and staying current with industry standards are essential steps.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California?

For Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical Tech Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surgical Tech Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surgical Tech Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Tech Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,619 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Part-Time Surgical Technology Instructor

Southwestern College (California)

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$34 - $41.75/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Part-Time, Adjunct Instructor

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.

SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.

Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description

Applications for Part-Time, Adjunct Instructor pools are continually accepted (unless otherwise specified) by the District. They will be added to the application pool for review by hiring authorities on an as-needed basis. Should you be invited for an interview, you will be contacted by a District representative.

Southwestern College is looking to hire a part-time instructor to teach a variety of Surgical Technology courses including:

  • ST120: Provides laboratory practice in basic surgical technique, asepsis, instrumentation, and surgical procedures in the major specialties. Includes a simulated operating room, and operating room scenarios.
  • ST146/160: Provides clinical experience in the intraoperative setting. Emphasizes first or second scrub role. Includes augmented clinical hours in the campus laboratory, focusing on instrumentation, equipment, and supplies in general and specialty surgeries.

Assume a laboratory or clinical teaching assignment in the Surgical Technology Program including supervision of clinical laboratory and other related classes, as necessary. Class modality is face-to-face. Classes may be held during weekdays, and/or evenings at any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).

Qualifications

Any bachelors degree (or higher) AND two (2) years of full-time experience in surgical technology.

OR

Any associate's degree AND six (6) years of full-time experience in surgical technology.

Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of an active, unencumbered certification in the field of surgical technology through a national certification program that is accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.
  • Experience in an operating room scrub role or as an instructor in surgical technology, or a combination of both, all within the past five years.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors or Masters Degree in a related field.
  • Graduation from an education program in surgical technology, accredited by a nationally recognized programmatic accreditation agency.
Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE: Academic Part-time - Instructional (Download PDF reader) For more information, please contact Faculty Lead Evangeline Fulgencio at efulgencio@swccd.edu or the Nursing & Health Occupations program office at (619) 216-6750 ext. 6352.

Application Process

A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.

Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.

A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will not be considered for this opening only.

For Academic positions (only): If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an equivalency application.

A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.

If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).

American with Disabilities (ADA): Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at (619) 482-6395.

Equal Employment Opportunity: As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report: SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the SWCPD website.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP): More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program website.