Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Rialto, CA: $61,887 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Rialto, CA earns a median $61,887/year (≈ $29.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, the salary for a sterile processing technician in 2026 is projected to reach $61,887 annually, significantly surpassing the national median of $47,724 by 29.68%. This local salary range varies from $44,919 at the 10th percentile to $91,302 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse landscape of compensation that reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field. Following shifts in employment standards post-2021, many local hospitals and healthcare systems now prioritize credentialed workers, aligning with trends across California. This evolution has led to a more competitive market for sterile processing technicians, reflecting the importance of certification such as CRCST and additional credentials for specialized roles.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,919 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,614 | $23.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,887 | $29.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,268 | $36.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,302 | $43.90 |
Median Salary Position
29.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,383 (2026 est.). At $61,887, the local median is 29.68% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rialto Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Rialto median: $61,887/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,793 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +29.68% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Rialto, CA earn a median of $61,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.68% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.80% above the California state average of $60,793.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,887 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,719 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,608
2025 BLS Actual
$59,381
2026 Current Est.
$61,887
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,302 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,415 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,608 (2019) to $59,381 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,891 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $44,919 – $49,614 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,614 – $61,887 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,887 – $76,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,268 – $91,302 |
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 Rialto
Sterile processing technicians in Rialto find themselves in a job market characterized by solid demand, with around 17 individuals currently employed in this role. However, the cost of living in the area, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, highlights the necessity for earning a competitive salary to maintain purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include hospital sterile processing departments, specialty surgical centers, and large dental practices. Factors influencing the variations in pay include shift differentials for evening or overnight work, as well as additional credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER. To maximize earnings, technicians should consider advanced certifications and seek positions in trauma centers or supervisory roles, which can be pivotal for higher compensation within the Rialto market.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Rialto?
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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 $59,381 for sterile processing techniciansin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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