Merced vs Sacramento: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Merced, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,137 | $79,530▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.59 | $38.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,782 | $48,675▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,573 | $67,124▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,840 | $84,733▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,840 | $85,483▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Sacramento is $28,393 (55.52%). Sacramento's median is +66.65% 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,Sacramento spans $36,808. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($74,557 effective) pays 43.28% 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 Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,530/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,483)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,557)
- ✓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 24.5% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Merced, CA
$68,130 (2024) → $49,066 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$61,280 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Merced or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Merced to Sacramento as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Merced vs Sacramento?
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