Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $29.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Modesto, CA runs $29.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,978 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Modesto, California, the hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is projected to stand at $29.63 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive pay scale creates advantageous opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers within hospital sterile processing departments (SPDs), ambulatory surgery centers, and other medical facilities. A technician working three days a week could effectively make a living wage while benefitting from the flexibility that part-time schedules afford. The hourly wage varies across experience levels, with entry-level positions typically starting around $21.25, while more seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $45.49, creating a broad range of potential earnings depending on skill level and experience.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.25 | $170.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.69 | $189.51 |
| Median (P50) | $29.63 | $237.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.34 | $298.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.49 | $363.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $29.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.63/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,630 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,556. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.19 | $5,136 | $61,630 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.11 | $3,081 | $36,978 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.08 | $2,054 | $24,652 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Modesto) | $29.63 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Modesto, CA earn a median of $61,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.13% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% above the California state average of $60,774.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.63/hr = $36,978/year (purchasing power: $32,695).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,630/year (purchasing power: $54,491).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Modesto grew 1.4% from $28.03/hr (2019) to $28.43/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Modesto
For those considering a career as a sterile processing technician, part-time work translates to an annual income of about $37,307, which can still be a viable option compared to full-time positions. Per-diem roles also present unique advantages and challenges; technicians might earn between $22-$32 per hour, while those with specialized credentials like Certified Endoscope Reprocessors can command rates from $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Travel contracts have emerged in recent years, with weekly pay ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, appealing to technicians looking for more lucrative short-term engagements. Hourly rates fluctuate significantly based on workplace settings, with full-time hospital positions often providing benefits which may lead technicians to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for job security and health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, technicians are encouraged to research local pay standards and demonstrate their qualifications, especially when stacking credentials like CRCST, CIS, or CER, to command higher wages in Modesto's competitive market.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Modesto?
Are sterile processing technicians in Modesto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Modesto?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Modesto?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Modesto is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov