Long Beach vs Riverside: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Long Beach, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Long Beach, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,748▲ | $59,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72▲ | $28.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,669 | $44,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,356▲ | $49,715 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,478▲ | $71,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,610▲ | $92,097 |
| Total Employed | 89 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Long Beach, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Long Beach and Riverside is $157 (0.26%). Long Beach's median is +25.19% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Long Beach spans $50,941,Riverside spans $47,184. Long Beach has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($55,984 effective) pays 5.98% more than Long Beach ($52,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,610)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓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 Long Beach grew -22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Long Beach, CA
$73,873 (2024) → $57,329 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$47,320 (2019) → $57,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Long Beach, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Long Beach or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Long Beach and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Long Beach to Riverside as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Long Beach 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