Sacramento vs San Diego: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,530▲ | $67,865 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.24▲ | $32.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,675 | $49,186▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,124▲ | $59,861 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,733▲ | $77,450 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,483▲ | $79,580 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 630 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $11,665 (17.19%). 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 Sacramento spans $36,808,San Diego spans $30,394. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($74,557 effective) pays 22.92% more than San Diego ($60,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Sacramento grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$61,280 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$50,940 (2019) → $65,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Sacramento or San Diego?
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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