Lead Sterile Processing Tech (SPD) - La Jolla
How this pay compares
This posting states $29.73–$41.71 an hour. Open sterile processing technician jobs in California post a median of $30.54 an hour, the middle half $29.44–$35.12, across 76 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post. Sterile processing technicians employed in California earn a median of $29.50 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).
Sterile processing technicians in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla has served the greater San Diego community since 1924. For more than a century, we continue to provide distinguished care, including several nationally ranked specialty programs. Scripps La Jolla was the first in San Diego to be designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nursing Association.
Scripps La Jolla shares a campus with the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center, a Level I Trauma Center, and the renowned Prebys Cardiovascular Institute. We’re also home to notable specialty programs, including cancer care, heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery services (including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit) and a nationally designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.
This is a benefited, full-time position working primarily 10-hour varied evening shifts, typically from 3:45am–2:30pm, with rotating weekends. Hours may vary based on department needs. This position is located at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Why join Scripps Health?
At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:
- Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
- Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2026.
- Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
- Becker's Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2026 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
- We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
- Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.
Why La Jolla SPD?
- Join a highly engaged and collaborative team in the Sterile Processing department at Scripps Memorial La Jolla, working closely with the Surgery department in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Be part of a detail-oriented team that prides itself on maintaining a perfect record with zero incidents of bioburden.
- Enjoy exceptional support from our leadership team and earn the respect of the surgeons you assist.
What you'll do
- Responsible for the cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of medical instruments, equipment, and supplies used for patient care.
- Function with responsibility for assisting with daily department operations including staff scheduling, training, mentoring, and performance management.
- Function as the technical expert for a particular service line and in this role is responsible for improving service line processes and daily quality outcomes.
- Lead performance/process improvement projects.
This position is eligible for up to $4k in New Hire Retention Incentives and relocation up to $3k if moving from 100+ miles away.
The following are not eligible for hiring incentives:
- Internal candidates
- Rehires that left Scripps less than 3 years ago
- Candidates with less than 1 year of experience
In order to remain eligible for your retention incentive the following criteria must be met:
- Must remain in original hired FTE Status and Shift (if specified in offer letter)
- Must remain in original department/specialty
- Must remain in original Job Title
Transfers to other locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in forfeiting remaining incentive bonus unless specifically noted in your offer letter.
Required Experience/Specialized Skills
- Completion of college training program for SPD or online study program or completion of formal on the job training program.
- 1 year experience as SPD Tech.
- Working knowledge of sterilizers, surgical instrumentation and medical equipment.
- Proficient in MS Office and familiarity in database management.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Required Certification/Registration
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or CBSPD Certification.
- 1 year experience in Central Processing.
Preferred Experience
- 2 years of SPD experience.
- Leadership experience.
At Scripps Health, you will experience the pride, support and respect of an organization that has been repeatedly recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 Places to Work.
You’ll be surrounded by people committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients and their teammates. So if you’re open to change, go ahead and unlock your potential.
Position Pay Range: $29.73-$41.71/hour
From Scripps Health's job posting, checked 4 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Scripps Health
Scripps Health is a not-for-profit integrated health system in San Diego, with four hospitals on five campuses, more than 70 (source: Scripps Health, Who We Are) locations, nearly 17,800 (source: Scripps Health, Who We Are) employees and more than 3,500 (source: Scripps Health, Who We Are) affiliated physicians from Chula Vista to Oceanside. Source: Scripps Health, Who We Are
Based in San Diego, CAHires in CaliforniaPay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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