Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Corona, CA: $61,926 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Corona, CA earns a median $61,926/year (≈ $29.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Corona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those working as sterile processing technicians in Corona, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $61,926, which reflects a notable 29.76% increase compared to the national median for the same year. Salaries in the local market range from $44,948 at the 10th percentile to upwards of $95,252 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy variance in pay depending on expertise and practice settings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions. With the trend moving towards credential-required hiring that took hold post-2021, the job market for sterile processing in Corona is reshaping, emphasizing the importance of certifications such as CRCST and additional credentials to secure higher-paying positions.
About the Corona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,948 | $21.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,692 | $23.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,926 | $29.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,021 | $36.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,252 | $45.79 |
Median Salary Position
29.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Corona
In Corona, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,304 (2026 est.). At $61,926, the local median is 29.76% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Corona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Corona Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Corona median: $61,926/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Corona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,772 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +29.76% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Corona, CA earn a median of $61,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.76% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% above the California state average of $60,772.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Corona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Corona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,926 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,753 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,638
2025 BLS Actual
$59,419
2026 Current Est.
$61,926
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,638 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,419 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,926 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,540 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Corona metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,638 (2019) to $59,419 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,540 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,902 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corona 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,948 – $49,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,692 – $61,926 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,926 – $75,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,021 – $95,252 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Corona
The job market in Corona supports 24 sterile processing technicians, a number that reflects a competitive landscape for professionals in this field. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which means that while the pay is attractive, it’s essential for technicians to consider their purchasing power. Top pay among local employers typically comes from hospital sterile processing departments, specialty surgical centers, and large dental practices, with specific roles that require advanced credentials yielding higher wages. Factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight work, supervisory roles, and the level of training can significantly affect salary ranges. For those looking to maximize earnings within this market, pursuing additional certifications like CIS or CER and actively seeking positions in trauma centers or advanced surgical settings could lead to better compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Corona?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,419 for sterile processing techniciansin the Corona metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Corona 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