Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,550▲ | $51,037 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.63▲ | $24.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,703▲ | $38,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,904▲ | $46,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,115▲ | $62,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,839▲ | $73,708 |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $8,513 (16.68%). Los Angeles's median is +24.78% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $32,136,Santa Maria spans $35,028. Santa Maria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($52,436 effective) pays 11.78% more than Santa Maria ($46,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,550/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,839)
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,436)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$47,190 (2019) → $57,139 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$42,860 (2019) → $48,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Maria as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Maria?
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