Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $29.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Berkeley, CA runs $29.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,601 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the projected hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $29.33, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This substantial difference illustrates the competitive nature of the local job market, particularly in healthcare settings like hospitals and surgical centers. For those working part-time, such as 24-hour work weeks spread across three days, this rate translates into a take-home pay of approximately $30,160 annually. Moreover, per-diem positions are quite common, with workers in similar roles earning between $22 and $32 per hour, often depending on credentials like the CRCST or CER. With entry-level technicians earning around $22.79 per hour, and top earners reaching up to $42.39, the financial outlook is promising for both new and seasoned professionals within the sterile processing field throughout Berkeley's healthcare system.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.79 | $182.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.74 | $197.93 |
| Median (P50) | $29.33 | $234.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.62 | $284.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.39 | $339.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $29.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.33/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,193. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.10 | $5,083 | $61,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.86 | $3,050 | $36,601 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.24 | $2,033 | $24,400 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Berkeley) | $29.33 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $60,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.81% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% above the California state average of $60,751.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.33/hr = $36,601/year (purchasing power: $32,361).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,001/year (purchasing power: $53,936).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Berkeley grew 27.4% from $22.09/hr (2019) to $28.14/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.57/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Part-time sterile processing technicians in Berkeley can experience a noticeable difference in their earning potential compared to their full-time counterparts. Working just three days a week can yield an estimated $30,160 annually, which would still be a viable choice for many. Per-diem technicians, on the other hand, have fluctuating incomes; those with specific certifications, such as the CER credential for endoscope reprocessing, can command hourly rates between $28 and $40 in agency positions. Given the growing demand in the industry, travel contracts have opened up post-2020, offering pay rates between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly as shortages occur. The pay can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; for example, hospital SPDs typically offer competitive salaries, while ambulatory surgery centers and dental specialty practices might have differing compensation structures. It’s common for some technicians to exchange lower hourly wages for employment that includes health insurance benefits, which can impact long-term financial stability. Those negotiating pay should focus on their unique skills and credentials while considering the broader benefits of employment packages, adapting to Berkeley's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Berkeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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