Merced vs Riverside: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Merced, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,137 | $59,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.59 | $28.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,782 | $44,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,573 | $49,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,840 | $71,276▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,840 | $92,097▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Riverside is $8,454 (16.53%). Riverside's median is +24.87% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $16,058,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 7.59% more than Merced ($52,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,591/year)
- ✓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 Merced grew -28.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Merced, CA
$68,130 (2024) → $49,066 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$47,320 (2019) → $57,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Merced or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Merced to Riverside as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Merced 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