Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $28.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Compton, CA runs $28.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $28.93, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94. This premium reflects not only the increasing demand for these professionals but also the higher cost of living in the area. For those working part-time—such as three days a week—this translates into a solid income, particularly in settings like hospital decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and endoscope reprocessing facilities. The hourly range is quite broad, with entry-level positions earning around $21.02, while experienced technicians can make up to $41.32 per hour, indicating ample opportunities for career advancement within this vital sector.
About the Compton 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) | $21.02 | $168.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.89 | $199.10 |
| Median (P50) | $28.93 | $231.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.06 | $280.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.32 | $330.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $28.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.93/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,177 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,718. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.26 | $5,015 | $60,177 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.36 | $3,009 | $36,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.90 | $2,006 | $24,071 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Compton) | $28.93 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $60,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.11% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% below the California state average of $60,793.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.93/hr = $36,106/year (purchasing power: $31,924).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,177/year (purchasing power: $53,207).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Compton grew 27.4% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $27.76/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.15/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 Compton 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 Compton
Behind the scenes of sterile processing, part-time technicians can expect to earn approximately $37,000 annually for a 24-hour work week, compared to full-time counterparts who make considerably more. For the more flexible workforce, per-diem sterile processing technician pay in Compton generally ranges between $22 and $32 per hour, with higher rates for those holding specialized credentials such as Certified Endoscope Reprocessors (CER), who can command $28 to $40 per hour. As travel contracts are increasingly common, offering weekly earnings of $1,000 to $1,500, technicians in this field must weigh the benefits of stability versus higher per-hour earnings without health insurance benefits. Those working in various facilities, including hospitals and specialty surgical centers, may negotiate hourly rates based on employer type, and understanding the preferences of facilities and their staffing needs can further influence pay negotiations for those in Compton, CA.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Compton in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Compton?
Are sterile processing technicians in Compton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Compton?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Compton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Compton. 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 Compton 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