Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Manteca vs San Francisco: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Manteca, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Manteca, CA
$59,405
$28.56/hr
San Francisco, CA
$82,182
$39.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManteca, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$59,405$82,182
Hourly Rate$28.56$39.51
Entry Level (P10)$46,748$57,660
25th Percentile$50,175$62,692
75th Percentile$73,265$85,433
Top Earner (P90)$87,215$95,719
Total Employed131,070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manteca ($59,405) and San Francisco ($82,182) sterile processing technician salaries.MantecaSan FranciscoMedian Salary$59,405$82,182Entry Level (P10)$46,748$57,660Top Earner (P90)$87,215$95,719US Median $47,724

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manteca.

The salary gap between Manteca and San Francisco is $22,777 (38.34%). San Francisco's median is +72.20% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manteca spans $40,467,San Francisco spans $38,059. Manteca has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Manteca
P10 (Entry)$46,748
P25$50,175
Median$59,405
P75$73,265
P90 (Top)$87,215
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$57,660
P25$62,692
Median$82,182
P75$85,433
P90 (Top)$95,719

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($71,084 effective) pays 35.33% more than Manteca ($52,524 effective).

Manteca
Nominal: $59,405
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $52,524
San Francisco
Nominal: $82,182
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $71,084

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Manteca if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,182/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,719)
  • Larger job market (1,070 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,084)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Manteca grew -16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Manteca, CA

+-16.9%

$68,552 (2024) → $57,000 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+26.1%

$62,510 (2019) → $78,854 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Manteca or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $82,182/year, compared to Manteca at $59,405/year — a difference of $22,777 (38.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manteca and San Francisco?

Manteca sterile processing technicians earn $28.56/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $39.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Manteca to San Francisco as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manteca and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manteca = $52,524, San Francisco = $71,084), job availability (13 vs 1,070 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Manteca vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $46,748 in Manteca and $57,660 in San Francisco. The San Francisco area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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