The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ZrO2-based ceramic beads shot peening on the performance properties of AISI 316L austenitic steel. The results obtained in the roughness and microhardness measurements, the state of the surface layer, and the tribological properties (ball-on-disc) of the specimens after the peening process were compared to the results obtained for the reference specimen. The tests were carried out with varying parameters of pressure (0.3 MPa, 0.4MPa) and time (30s, 60s). The lowest values of COF (µ=0.576) and wear factor (K=3.95*10-4 mm3N-1m-1) were observed for the surface peened using parameters: 0.4 MPa and 60s. By increasing the time twice, a much lower wear factor can be achieved unlike when increasing the shot peening by 0.1 MPa. Observations of wear traces indicate that abrasive wear is predominant and the transfer of specimen material by countersample is also observed.