Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $29.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Corona, CA runs $29.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Corona, California, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $29.78, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94. This elevated hourly rate reflects the increasing demand for skilled technicians, particularly in hospitals and specialized surgical centers that prioritize the highest standards of patient safety. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the earnings can still be attractive, making a decent income by capitalizing on opportunities in hospital SPD decontamination rooms, endoscope reprocessing areas, and more. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at $21.60, while those at the top of their field can earn as much as $45.79. Such pay rates indicate a robust compensation landscape for sterile processing technicians in the region, which is critical as the profession adjusts to credentialing mandates and ongoing shifts in healthcare employment practices.
About the Corona 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) | $21.60 | $172.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.89 | $191.10 |
| Median (P50) | $29.78 | $238.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.07 | $288.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.79 | $366.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $29.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.78/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,731. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.03 | $5,161 | $61,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.62 | $3,097 | $37,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.41 | $2,064 | $24,773 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Corona) | $29.78 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $61,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.76% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% above the California state average of $60,772.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.78/hr = $37,160/year (purchasing power: $32,856).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,933/year (purchasing power: $54,760).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Corona grew 27.4% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $28.57/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.03/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 Corona 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 Corona
Exploring part-time earning potential, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $46,547 annually, while full-time workers can make around $61,926 per year. The per diem sector presents another option, where technicians might bill anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, with those certified in endoscope reprocessing commanding $28 to $40, especially in agency placements. With travel contracts often ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 weekly, opportunities for higher earnings are emerging in response to workforce shortages. Hourly pay varies across employers in Corona, depending on whether one is working in hospital SPD departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty dental practices. Some technicians find themselves accepting lower wages for positions that come with additional benefits such as health insurance, while others may opt for higher hourly pay without the safety net of benefits. Those negotiating positions should consider the unique advantages of each option, aligning their pay expectations with their personal and professional goals in this evolving field.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Corona in 2026?
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Are sterile processing technicians in Corona 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 Corona. 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 Corona 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