Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in California
Sterile Processing Tech jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and large outpatient networks, with openings from entry-level technicians through senior leads and supervisors. The deepest hiring activity is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center maintain large central sterile departments year-round. Instrument tracking, high-level disinfection, and OR turnover support are the most consistently in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Sterile Processing Tech jobs
INTRODUCTION
Opportunities for you!
- Consecutively recognized as a top employer by Forbes, and in 2025 by Newsweek
- Free Continuing Education and certification
- Tuition reimbursement, education programs and scholarships
- Vacation time starts building on Day 1, and builds with your seniority
- Free money toward retirement with a 403(b) and matching contributions
- Great food options with on-demand ordering
- Free parking and electric charging
Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our culture at Community. All are welcome as valued members of our community.
We know that our ability to provide the highest level of care is through taking care of our incredible teams. Learn more on our Benefits page.
Responsibilities
As a Sterile Processing Technician 2 at Community Regional Medical Center, you play a vital role in patient safety by ensuring surgical instruments and supplies are properly cleaned, inspected, assembled and sterilized for use across the operating room and other hospital departments. This position is responsible for decontaminating instrumentation using approved manual and mechanical methods, preparing trays and packs with close attention to detail and performing sterilization procedures using accepted methodologies. You will maintain organized storage of sterilized items, monitor supplies for defects or expiration, report issues to leadership and provide operational guidance to peers when management staff is unavailable.
You will be part of a highly focused sterile processing team at Community Regional Medical Center that supports surgical and clinical services throughout the hospital. The work environment emphasizes precision, accountability and consistent adherence to departmental and OSHA guidelines in a fast-paced healthcare setting. Team members are expected to communicate clearly, understand medical terminology and departmental workflows, and recognize how their work directly supports safe patient care and smooth hospital operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HSE), or Completion of a CHS Approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Certificate required
- Must have at least 8 months of hospital Sterile Processing Tech experience required
Licenses and Certifications
- CRCST - Certified Registered Central Services Technician Certification from HSPA required or
- CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician Certification from CBSPD required
Disclaimers:
- Pay ranges listed are an estimate and subject to change.
- If any bonuses are noted, they are only applicable to external hires meeting criteria.
INTRODUCTION
Opportunities for you!
- Consecutively recognized as a top employer by Forbes, and in 2025 by Newsweek
- Free Continuing Education and certification
- Tuition reimbursement, education programs and scholarships
- Vacation time starts building on Day 1, and builds with your seniority
- Free money toward retirement with a 403(b) and matching contributions
- Great food options with on-demand ordering
- Free parking and electric charging
Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our culture at Community. All are welcome as valued members of our community.
We know that our ability to provide the highest level of care is through taking care of our incredible teams. Learn more on our Benefits page.
Responsibilities
As a Sterile Processing Technician 2 at Community Regional Medical Center, you play a vital role in patient safety by ensuring surgical instruments and supplies are properly cleaned, inspected, assembled and sterilized for use across the operating room and other hospital departments. This position is responsible for decontaminating instrumentation using approved manual and mechanical methods, preparing trays and packs with close attention to detail and performing sterilization procedures using accepted methodologies. You will maintain organized storage of sterilized items, monitor supplies for defects or expiration, report issues to leadership and provide operational guidance to peers when management staff is unavailable.
You will be part of a highly focused sterile processing team at Community Regional Medical Center that supports surgical and clinical services throughout the hospital. The work environment emphasizes precision, accountability and consistent adherence to departmental and OSHA guidelines in a fast-paced healthcare setting. Team members are expected to communicate clearly, understand medical terminology and departmental workflows, and recognize how their work directly supports safe patient care and smooth hospital operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HSE), or Completion of a CHS Approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Certificate required
- Must have at least 8 months of hospital Sterile Processing Tech experience required
Licenses and Certifications
- CRCST - Certified Registered Central Services Technician Certification from HSPA required or
- CSPDT - Certified Sterile Processing & Distribution Technician Certification from CBSPD required
Disclaimers:
- Pay ranges listed are an estimate and subject to change.
- If any bonuses are noted, they are only applicable to external hires meeting criteria.
See All 16 Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Sterile Processing Tech JobsSterile Processing Tech Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Sterile Processing Tech Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rady Children's Hospital5
- CommonSpirit Health2
- Community Health System2
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles1
- City of Hope1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Education2
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Science & Research1
- Technology & Software1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in sterile processing tech jobs across California.
- CRCST certification from IAHCSMM or CBSPD certification required or preferred
- Minimum one year of sterile processing or central service department experience
- Knowledge of sterilization methods including steam, EtO, and hydrogen peroxide plasma
- Familiarity with instrument tracking software and sterile processing workflows
- Ability to read and follow surgical instrument tray cards and assembly guides
- High school diploma or GED required with completion of an accredited SPD training program
Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a sterile processing tech in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a sterile processing tech, but most hospitals require or strongly prefer national certification through IAHCSMM (CRCST) or CBSPD. The typical path is completing an accredited sterile processing program at a California community college, then gaining hands-on hours and sitting for the CRCST exam. Many California health systems will hire candidates conditionally while they work toward certification.
How much do sterile processing teches make in California?
Sterile processing teches in California earn a median of about $61,370 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $43,680 for the lowest 10% to over $85,240 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire sterile processing techs in California?
Employers hiring sterile processing techs in California right now include Rady Children's Hospital, CommonSpirit Health, and Community Health System, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of large integrated health systems and academic medical centers means consistent, ongoing demand rather than seasonal spikes.
Which California cities have the most sterile processing tech jobs?
San Diego, Fresno, and Los Angeles have the most sterile processing tech openings in California. Los Angeles drives the highest volume given its concentration of large academic medical centers and trauma hospitals, while San Francisco and San Diego openings are anchored by major health system campuses and UCSF and UC San Diego Health facilities.
Are there remote sterile processing tech jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. About 0% of sterile processing tech openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The small share of flexible arrangements tends to cover instrument tracking coordination or training and education roles within larger health system sterile processing departments.
How can I get hired as a sterile processing tech in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a sterile processing technician certificate program at a California community college, many of which include a clinical externship that doubles as a foot in the door with a local hospital. Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health both run new-tech onboarding tracks that accept candidates in training. Candidates coming from patient transport, surgical tech aide, or medical supply roles often transition successfully, and completing the CRCST exam before applying gives a clear edge even without prior department experience.
Where can I find and apply to sterile processing tech jobs in California?
You can find and apply to sterile processing tech jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 16 Sterile Processing Tech Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Sterile Processing Tech Jobs