Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $38.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Sacramento, CA runs $38.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,721 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Sacramento, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians stands at $38.24, significantly surpassing the national median of $22.94. This substantial difference highlights the demand for skilled technicians in local healthcare settings such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. For part-time workers clocking in around three days a week, the effective income can still be quite competitive, allowing for a reasonable living while providing crucial support in decontamination and assembly areas. Within the pay scale for sterile processing technicians in the region, those just entering the field might start at approximately $23.40 per hour, whereas top earners can make up to $41.10 per hour, reflecting the range of experience and credentialing from a basic CRCST to specialized CER certifications.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.40 | $187.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.27 | $258.13 |
| Median (P50) | $38.24 | $305.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.74 | $325.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.10 | $328.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $38.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.24/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,886. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,529.53 | $6,628 | $79,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.72 | $3,977 | $47,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.81 | $2,651 | $31,814 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Sacramento) | $38.24 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $79,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 66.65% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 30.90% above the California state average of $60,757.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.24/hr = $47,721/year (purchasing power: $44,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,536/year (purchasing power: $74,562).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sacramento grew 24.5% from $29.46/hr (2019) to $36.69/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.85/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
For those contemplating part-time work as sterile processing technicians in Sacramento, the financial outlook can vary widely. A technician working three days a week can expect to take home around $49,408 annually, which is a substantial income for a flexible schedule compared to those on full-time hours. The rise of per-diem opportunities shows an interesting facet of the profession, as these technicians often command lower rates of $22-$32 per hour, with specialized endoscope reprocessors earning $28-$40 per hour. Meanwhile, traveling SPD positions have emerged, offering lucrative contracts that can yield $1,000-$1,500 weekly. This variance often depends on the employer type, with hospitals generally providing benefits that compensate for a slightly lower hourly rate compared to private practice or third-party services. In negotiations, it’s prudent for technicians to consider both the guaranteed income and benefits offered, balancing financial stability against the potential for a higher hourly rate without health insurance or paid time off. As the industry evolves, technicians are encouraged to seek out positions that align both their financial goals and career aspirations, particularly as California expands registration requirements and credentialing standards for sterile processing roles.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Sacramento. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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