Surgical Tech Jobs in California

Surgical tech jobs in California are widely available across hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical clinics. Whether you're an experienced scrub tech or exploring a career as a surgical technologist, this page covers key information about certification expectations, salaries, and where operating room technician jobs are concentrated across the state.

Below you'll find the latest surgical tech job listings currently hiring throughout California.

Certification and Licensure in California

California does not require a state license for surgical technologists. However, state law requires most surgical techs to meet certain training standards before working in an operating room.

Typically, this means completing an accredited surgical technology program or having equivalent military surgical training. Many employers also prefer candidates who hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.

Because California hospitals perform a high volume of complex procedures, certification and formal training are often expected by major healthcare systems. Candidates with CST certification and strong operating room experience generally have the best job opportunities.

Surgical Tech Salaries in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists in California earn a mean annual wage of $77,430 and a median annual wage of $76,210.

Entry-level surgical techs near the 10th percentile earn about $50,690, while experienced professionals near the 90th percentile earn approximately $100,420.

Pay varies significantly depending on experience, certification status, surgical specialty, and location within the state. Large hospital systems and specialized surgical centers often pay more than smaller outpatient facilities, and certified surgical technologists with several years of operating room experience tend to earn the highest wages.

Where Surgical Techs Work in California

California has one of the largest healthcare workforces in the country, and surgical technologists work across a wide range of healthcare settings.

Major employers include Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and Stanford Health Care. These systems operate large hospitals and advanced surgical departments that regularly hire scrub techs and operating room technicians.

Surgical tech jobs are concentrated in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose, though opportunities exist throughout the state in regional hospitals and outpatient surgical centers.

How to Become a Surgical Tech in California

The typical path to becoming a surgical technologist in California begins with completing an accredited surgical technology program, which usually takes 12 to 24 months and may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES prepare graduates to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. After completing training and certification, candidates can apply for scrub tech, surgical technologist, or operating room technician roles across California’s hospital systems and surgical centers.

Cost of Living Context

While surgical technologist salaries in California are among the highest in the country, the cost of living—particularly housing in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego—can be significantly higher than the national average. Earnings tend to stretch further in inland regions and smaller cities compared with coastal metro areas.

Explore active roles in California.