Berkeley vs Riverside: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Berkeley, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,994▲ | $59,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.33▲ | $28.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,417▲ | $44,913 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,466▲ | $49,715 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,092▲ | $71,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,172 | $92,097▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Berkeley and Riverside are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Riverside is $1,403 (2.35%). Berkeley's median is +27.81% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $40,755,Riverside spans $47,184. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($55,984 effective) pays 3.81% more than Berkeley ($53,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,994/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,097)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,984)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Berkeley grew -16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Berkeley, CA
$70,384 (2024) → $58,524 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$47,320 (2019) → $57,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Berkeley or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berkeley and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Berkeley to Riverside as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Berkeley vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov