Surgical Technologist Jobs in California
Surgical Technologist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in large acute-care hospital systems, trauma centers, and outpatient surgery centers, with openings at every level from recent program graduates through senior scrub technologists. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where major systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Sutter Health consistently maintain surgical technologist positions across dozens of facilities. Cardiovascular, orthopedic, and robotic-assisted surgery are the specialties drawing the strongest California demand right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
Organization:
SSRRH-Sutter Santa Rosa Reg HospitalPosition Overview:
Responsible for preparing the sterile field for surgical operations including the setup of sterile instruments, assisting surgeons in gowning and gloving, and draping patients for surgery. Directly supports the surgical team during operations by passing instruments and supplies, holding retractors, and anticipating surgeons' needs during course of surgery. Supports the functionality of the department by distributing supplies and performing equipment maintenance, testing, and setup as needed. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety to help deliver optimal patient care. May also be responsible for performing specific procedures and/or may help orient other staff to the department.Job Description:
EDUCATION:
HS Diploma or GED
Other: Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program (or has certification that evidences education)
OR Military training as a scrub tech
CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:
BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
Surgical Technician Certification (TS-C, CST, or NRST) is required to be eligible for incentive (if allowed per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for union represented employees)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
1 year of recent relevant experience.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
General knowledge of surgical tools, procedures, views, and equipment.
Ability to interpret a variety of data and instructions, furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.
Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
Well-developed time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
General knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook).
Prioritize assignments and work within standardized policies, procedures, and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
Work independently, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.
Identify, evaluate and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.
Build collaborates relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.
Job Shift:
VariedSchedule:
Full TimeShift Hours:
8Days of the Week:
VariableWeekend Requirements:
As NeededBenefits:
YesUnions:
YesPosition Status:
Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:
32Employee Status:
RegularSutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $46.10 to $57.31 / hourThe compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
See All 53 Surgical Technologist Jobs in California
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Find Surgical Technologist JobsSurgical Technologist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in surgical technologist jobs across California.
- Active CST certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
- Completion of an accredited surgical technology program recognized in California
- Minimum one to two years of scrubbing experience across multiple surgical specialties
- Demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique and instrument handling in an OR setting
- BLS certification from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
- Familiarity with robotic-assisted surgical platforms such as the da Vinci system preferred
Surgical Technologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a surgical technologist in California?
The standard path is completing an accredited surgical technology program, typically at a California community college or vocational school, followed by earning Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credentials through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. California does not issue a separate state license for surgical technologists, but most hospital employers require the CST. Programs at institutions like Foothill College and Sacramento City College are well established entry points.
How much do surgical technologists make in California?
Surgical technologists in California earn a median of about $81,310 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,140 for the lowest 10% to over $115,740 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire surgical technologists in California?
Employers hiring surgical technologists in California right now include Sutter Health, University of California - San Francisco, and American Traveler, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated health systems and standalone ambulatory surgery centers tend to hire continuously, making them reliable sources of openings across the state's major metropolitan areas.
Which California cities have the most surgical technologist jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Rosa consistently lead California for surgical technologist openings. Los Angeles carries the volume given the concentration of major trauma centers, academic medical centers, and specialty hospitals in the region, while San Diego's military and research hospital presence and the Bay Area's large integrated systems like Kaiser and Sutter drive strong demand in those metros as well.
Are there remote surgical technologist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Surgical technologists work in sterile OR environments and perform hands-on scrubbing duties that cannot be done remotely, so the role is almost entirely on-site by nature. About 9% of surgical technologist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be limited to clinical coordination, training, or equipment consultation roles.
How can I get hired as a surgical technologist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate surgical technologist positions or surgical technologist trainee programs at large California hospital systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health, which periodically hire candidates directly from accredited programs. Lateral moves from roles like surgical technician, sterile processing technician, or OR aide within the same health system are also a common bridge, and holding an active CST credential before graduation gives candidates a clear competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to surgical technologist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to surgical technologist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find roles that match your experience and specialty preferences and apply directly through each listing.
See All 53 Surgical Technologist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surgical Technologist Jobs