Los Angeles vs San Diego: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,550 | $67,865▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.63 | $32.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,703 | $49,186▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,904 | $59,861▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,115 | $77,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,839 | $79,580▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 630 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Diego is $8,315 (13.96%). San Diego's median is +42.20% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $32,136,San Diego spans $30,394. Los Angeles 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, San Diego ($60,655 effective) pays 15.67% more than Los Angeles ($52,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,865/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,580)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,655)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Los Angeles grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$47,190 (2019) → $57,139 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$50,940 (2019) → $65,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Los Angeles or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Los Angeles vs San Diego?
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