Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $27.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Brea, CA runs $27.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is $27.72, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94. This rate provides a decent standard of living, especially for those working part-time or in per-diem roles within various healthcare settings. A technician working three days a week would earn approximately $53,577 annually, making this hourly rate a substantial earning potential for individuals balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range for sterile processing roles in Brea varies from $22.03 for entry-level positions to $39.88 for top earners, reflecting the demand for skilled workers in this field. With the increasing emphasis on credentialing, including certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, technicians in Brea can enhance their employability and command higher hourly rates.
About the Brea 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) | $22.03 | $176.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.45 | $187.60 |
| Median (P50) | $27.72 | $221.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.98 | $271.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.88 | $319.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $27.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.72/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $57,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,267. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.90 | $4,805 | $57,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.34 | $2,883 | $34,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.56 | $1,922 | $23,065 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Brea) | $27.72 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $57,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.81% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 5.10% below the California state average of $60,752.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.72/hr = $34,598/year (purchasing power: $30,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,663/year (purchasing power: $50,984).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Brea grew 27.4% from $20.88/hr (2019) to $26.60/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.89/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 Brea 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 Brea
When considering part-time or per-diem roles, sterile processing technicians in Brea might find varying degrees of earning potential. For instance, per-diem positions typically pay between $22 and $32 per hour, while specialized roles, such as those held by CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors, can earn between $28 and $40 hourly. Travel contracts for SPD technicians, which have surged since 2020, can fetch rates between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly. The disparity in pay across employer types is also notable, with hospitals generally offering more stable hourly rates compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialized surgical practices. However, some technicians may opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits. In this evolving employment market, it's crucial for technicians to evaluate their options carefully and negotiate effectively, focusing on what suits their financial and personal needs best.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Brea in 2026?
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Are sterile processing technicians in Brea paid hourly or salary?
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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 Brea. 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 Brea 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