Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $22.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Bakersfield, CA runs $22.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,550 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, the projected median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is $22.88, which is just slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate provides a reasonable income for those pursuing part-time work, such as three days a week, potentially earning around $1,099 monthly for 24 hours of work each week. Many sterile processing technicians find employment in various settings, including hospital SPD decontamination rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and instrument processing facilities. The hourly range varies, with starting wages at approximately $19.99 and reaching up to $35.59 for experienced professionals or those in specialized roles. Such numbers reflect official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating healthy prospects in this field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.50 | $164.00 |
| Median (P50) | $22.88 | $183.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.87 | $222.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.59 | $284.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $22.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.88/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,452. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.05 | $3,965 | $47,583 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.03 | $2,379 | $28,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.02 | $1,586 | $19,033 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Bakersfield) | $22.88 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $47,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 21.70% below the California state average of $60,746.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.88/hr = $28,550/year (purchasing power: $28,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,583/year (purchasing power: $47,165).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+1.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bakersfield grew -6.4% from $23.44/hr (2019) to $21.95/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.84/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Bakersfield
When considering part-time work versus full-time roles, a sterile processing technician working part-time in Bakersfield may earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts; for instance, they might bring home around $13,188 annually, in contrast to a full-time position that offers a more robust income. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Bakersfield generally ranges between $22 and $32 per hour, and those holding a CER credential can expect even higher rates, often between $28 and $40. Employers differ in their compensation models; hospitals may provide hourly wages with benefits, while third-party providers might offer higher rates without benefits, leading to a trade-off decision. Technicians should be aware of current market conditions and leverage their credentials, especially as recent shifts have emphasized certification since 2021, to negotiate more effectively.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bakersfield in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Bakersfield?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov