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Travel Sterile Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Sterile Processing Tech

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$1.1K - $1.3K/wk

Sterile Processing Technician (Contract) Location: California 93405 Contract Duration: 13 weeks * Pay: $1,185 - $1,339/week * Schedule: 5 x 8-hour shifts * Shift: 2nd shift (Afternoon) * Hours: 2:00 ...

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Travel Sterile Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do travel sterile processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for travel sterile processing 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 travel sterile processing technician?

A Travel Sterile Processing Technician is a healthcare professional who travels to different medical facilities, such as hospitals or surgical centers, to clean, sterilize, and prepare medical instruments and equipment for use in surgeries and other procedures. These technicians work on temporary assignments, often filling in during staff shortages or to provide specialized expertise. The role requires knowledge of infection control standards, sterilization techniques, and the ability to adapt to new environments quickly. Travel Sterile Processing Technicians play a vital role in patient safety by ensuring all medical tools are properly disinfected and ready for use.

What are travel sterile processing jobs?

Jobs in travel sterile processing focus on maintaining equipment, ensuring infection control, and otherwise supporting a hospital. As a nurse in this role, you frequently sterilize instruments with an autoclave, ensure the hospital has enough inventory, help prepare patients for surgery, and assist surgeons by providing instruments on demand. Many of these jobs are 13 weeks long and are performed contract by contract—this happens because there is a shortage of nurses with the qualifications for this role, so it is possible to accept bids from other areas and maintain a higher rate of pay. Travel sterile processing nurses frequently use the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows you to work as a nurse in many other states as long as you remain in good standing and have a permanent residence in a compact state.

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

To thrive as a Travel Sterile Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of sterilization techniques, infection control, and medical equipment handling, typically supported by a high school diploma and certification such as CRCST. Familiarity with sterilization tools like autoclaves, tracking systems, and hospital inventory management software is essential. Attention to detail, flexibility, and strong communication skills help ensure effective adaptation to new environments and teamwork. These competencies are crucial to maintaining patient safety, preventing infections, and supporting surgical teams across varying healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges faced by travel sterile processing technicians, and how can they prepare to adapt quickly to new healthcare facilities?

Travel Sterile Processing Technicians often encounter the challenge of adjusting to different hospital protocols, equipment brands, and workflow structures. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, have strong foundational knowledge of sterilization processes, and communicate proactively with permanent staff. Familiarizing yourself with common industry standards and maintaining up-to-date certifications can also ease transitions. Building strong organizational skills and staying open to learning new procedures will help you become an asset at any assignment.

What is the difference between Travel Sterile Processing vs Central Sterile Processing Technician?

AspectTravel Sterile ProcessingCentral Sterile Processing Technician
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCPR, Sterile Processing Certification
Work EnvironmentMultiple healthcare facilities, travel requiredSingle hospital or facility, fixed location
Employer & Industry UsageTravel agencies, staffing firms, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities
Work ScopeReprocessing surgical instruments across various sitesReprocessing instruments within one facility

Travel Sterile Processing and Central Sterile Processing Technician roles both require similar certifications and involve instrument reprocessing. However, Travel Sterile Processing professionals work across multiple healthcare facilities, often requiring travel, while Central Sterile Processing Technicians are based at a single location. Both roles are essential in maintaining sterile environments and ensuring patient safety in healthcare settings.

How to get into travel sterile processing?

To enter travel sterile processing, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with certification such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Gaining experience in hospital or healthcare settings and being flexible with travel assignments are also important for success in this role.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Travel Sterile Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Travel Sterile Processing Technician

Hanker Systems

Calabasas, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Cedars-Sinai Medical Network is seeking an experienced Travel Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) to join its Ambulatory Surgery Center. The ideal candidate will have experience in instrument decontamination, sterilization, tray assembly, and endoscope reprocessing while ensuring compliance with infection control standards.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of Sterile Processing Technician experience
  • Previous Travel experience is Must
  • Ambulatory Surgery Centre (ASC) experience required
  • Previous travel experience required (First-time travellers not accepted)
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Current BLS Certification
  • Experience with aseptic technique, decontamination, sterilization, tray assembly, and endoscope reprocessing

Preferred Qualifications

  • HSPA/IAHCSMM Sterile Processing Certification
  • Experience with loaner trays, case carts, ultrasonic cleaners, Steris systems, and specialty surgical instruments