Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $60,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $60,267/year (≈ $28.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Rancho Cordova, California, can expect a median annual salary of $60,267, notably higher than the national median of $47,724, which represents a 26.28% increase. Salaries in this field reflect a broad range, from the lower 10% earning around $43,986 to the upper 90% making approximately $90,052. These figures are drawn from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments. With the growing emphasis on specialized areas like endoscope reprocessing (CER), which can command premium pay, there is substantial potential for increased earnings as the job market in Rancho Cordova continues to expand.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,986 | $21.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,938 | $24.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,267 | $28.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,159 | $35.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,052 | $43.29 |
Median Salary Position
26.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,066 (2026 est.). At $60,267, the local median is 26.28% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $60,267/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,753 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +26.28% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $60,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.28% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% below the California state average of $60,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,267 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,286 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,389
2025 BLS Actual
$57,827
2026 Current Est.
$60,267
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,037 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,546 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,811 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,389 (2019) to $57,827 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,811 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,422 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova 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) | $43,986 – $51,938 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,938 – $60,267 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,267 – $73,159 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,159 – $90,052 |
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 Rancho Cordova
Currently, there are about 20 sterile processing technicians employed in Rancho Cordova, highlighting a focused yet potentially lucrative job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that take-home purchasing power may be challenged despite the robust salary figures. Employers across the spectrum, including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, can vary significantly in pay. Those holding multiple credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER may find opportunities within specialty practices offering higher compensation. Factors influencing pay include shift differentials, with evening and overnight shifts often providing extra financial incentives, as well as the nature of the facility, with hospitals typically offering higher wages than ambulatory surgery centers. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles at trauma centers or in supervisory positions can provide beneficial salary increases.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, 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
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 $57,827 for sterile processing techniciansin the Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova 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