Irvine vs Los Angeles: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Irvine, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,123▲ | $59,550 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.35▲ | $28.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,239▲ | $43,703 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,165▲ | $46,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,798▲ | $68,115 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,551▲ | $75,839 |
| Total Employed | 72 | 3,010▲ |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Irvine and Los Angeles is $3,573 (6.00%). Irvine's median is +32.27% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $50,312,Los Angeles spans $32,136. Irvine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Irvine ($55,812 effective) pays 6.44% more than Los Angeles ($52,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,123/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,551)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,812)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Irvine grew -16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$72,842 (2024) → $60,567 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$47,190 (2019) → $57,139 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Irvine or Los Angeles?
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Should I relocate from Irvine to Los Angeles as a sterile processing technician?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov