Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Torrance, CA: $61,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Torrance, CA earns a median $61,809/year (≈ $29.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,650 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, the evolving landscape for sterile processing technicians has led to a notable increase in compensation, with a projected median annual salary of $61,809 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant boost compared to the national average, positioning local earnings roughly 29.51% higher than the national median of $47,724. Salaries for sterile processing technicians in this area range from $44,490 at the 10th percentile to as high as $95,030 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional pricing and living conditions. This upward trend in pay aligns with the regional shift toward credential-required hiring practices that began post-2021, creating a market that values formal qualifications and specialized training.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,490 | $21.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,457 | $23.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,809 | $29.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,456 | $37.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,030 | $45.69 |
Median Salary Position
29.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,540 (2026 est.). At $61,809, the local median is 29.51% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Torrance Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Torrance median: $61,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,776 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +29.51% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Torrance, CA earn a median of $61,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.51% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.70% above the California state average of $60,776.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,809 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,650 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,550
2025 BLS Actual
$59,306
2026 Current Est.
$61,809
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,241 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,519 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,297 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,325 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,550 (2019) to $59,306 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,867 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $44,490 – $49,457 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,457 – $61,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,809 – $78,456 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,456 – $95,030 |
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 Torrance
As the local job market indicates, approximately 26 sterile processing technicians are currently employed in Torrance, with the cost of living index standing at 113.1, suggesting that the higher salaries may be necessary to maintain purchasing power. Key employers likely providing the top-tier pay among this workforce include hospital sterile processing departments, specialty surgical centers, and large dental practices. The disparity in wages often stems from factors such as specialty credential stacking—holding multiple credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER—shift differentials for evening or overnight work, and job responsibilities that range from lead positions to more specialized roles. For those seeking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Torrance, pursuing additional certifications and targeting high-demand settings can significantly enhance earning potential amid a competitive market.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Torrance?
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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 $59,306 for sterile processing techniciansin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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