Riverside vs San Rafael: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Riverside, CA and San Rafael, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,591 | $61,653▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.64 | $29.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,913 | $47,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,715 | $51,138▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,276 | $75,126▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,097▲ | $88,760 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Riverside and San Rafael are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Rafael is $2,062 (3.46%). San Rafael's median is +29.19% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $47,184,San Rafael spans $41,553. Riverside 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 2.70% more than San Rafael ($54,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓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
Choose San Rafael if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,653/year)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Riverside grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.9% growth in San Rafael over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$47,320 (2019) → $57,178 (2025)
San Rafael, CA
$71,145 (2024) → $59,157 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Riverside or San Rafael?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Rafael?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Rafael as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Riverside vs San Rafael?
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