Lead Surgical Tech
- BLS
How this pay compares
This posting states $35.85–$53.85 an hour. Open surgical technologist jobs in California post a median of $43.99 an hour, the middle half $38.74–$54, across 133 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post. Surgical technologists employed in California earn a median of $39.09 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Surgical technologists in California: pay by town and employer
Surgical tech and sterile processing jobs in our research
- How long these jobs stay listed: Median days to removal 18.0 days · Still listed at 7 days 68.9%
- Applicant demand per open job on this site (1.00x is the average job): Index 1.39x · Clicks 22
- How often these jobs state their pay: Jobs stating any pay 47.4% · Stating an hourly rate 35.7%
From every open job we read and every apply click on this site, as of 5 Nov 2026. Every figure for Surgical tech and sterile processing jobs
About the job
Department
Surgery
Union
CHEU
Shift
12-hour Shift - Day (United States of America)
Hours Per Pay Period
72
Salary Range
$35.85 - $53.85
Job Description
Posting Date: 11/4/2026
Internal Closing Date: 11/10/2026
- Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.
Performs surgical scrub responsibilities; assists the surgeon and the circulating RN. Works under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and circulating RN. Provides in-service and one-on-one support to other staff on proper use, storage and maintenance of specialty service line supplies and equipment. Coordinates orientation and competency development for new hire surgical technologists with OR Supervisors. Serves as expert resource to staff. Participates as a member of the clinical interdisciplinary team to ensure appropriate resources for all internal and external customers.
Speaks and reads English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop-down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar UC San Diego Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar UC San Diego Health.
Job Requirements
Minimum Education
- High School Diploma and/or combination of education and experience.
- Successful completion of vocational training program in surgical technology or at least 1 year directly related work experience.
Preferred Education: Not Applicable
Minimum Experience: 5 years related experience
Preferred Experience: 8 years related experience
Required License: Not Applicable
Preferred License: Not Applicable
Required Certification
- Certified Surgical Tech (CST or NCCT)
- American Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider
Preferred Certification: Not Applicable
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
From Palomar Health's job posting, checked 5 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Palomar Health
Public healthcare district in northern San Diego County with two medical center campuses, in Escondido and Poway, offering acute care, obstetrics, rehabilitation and behavioral health.
Based in Escondido, CAHires in CaliforniaPay on its listings: 48.3% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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