Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Fremont, CA: $39.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Fremont, CA runs $39.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Fremont's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fremont, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected at $39.52 for 2026, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $22.94. This higher wage level suggests a strong demand for skilled technicians in medical facilities such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this translates to a solid earning potential of approximately $3,168 per month, or $38,016 annually. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced technicians may earn hourly rates between $27.37 and $61.25, offering pathways for both entry-level roles and advanced positions within the field. The versatility of job settings—ranging from decontamination rooms to surgical instrument processing—affords opportunities for individuals pursuing per-diem work, which often requires different credentials and offers flexible schedules.
About the Fremont 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) | $27.37 | $218.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.16 | $265.30 |
| Median (P50) | $39.52 | $316.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.01 | $392.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.25 | $490.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fremont
Based on $39.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.52/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fremont, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,202 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,424. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fremont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fremont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,580.81 | $6,850 | $82,202 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.49 | $4,110 | $49,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.32 | $2,740 | $32,881 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Fremont) | $39.52 |
| 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 Fremont, CA earn a median of $82,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 72.24% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 35.30% above the California state average of $60,753.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.52/hr = $49,321/year (purchasing power: $43,609).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,202/year (purchasing power: $72,681).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Fremont grew 27.4% from $29.76/hr (2019) to $37.92/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.19/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 Fremont 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 Fremont
Balancing part-time versus full-time work reveals distinct earning opportunities for sterile processing technicians in Fremont. Working just three days a week, a technician would take home an estimated $38,016 annually, while full-time colleagues benefit from higher cumulative earnings and traditional job benefits. Per-diem positions also present unique earning scenarios; for instance, billed rates for agency technicians generally range from $22 to $32 an hour, while those with CER credentials can command $28 to $40 per hour in similar placements. The increasing demand for sterile processing services, especially post-2020, has spurred travel contracts where technicians can make up to $1,500 per week in shortage areas. Nevertheless, technicians often grapple with pay versus benefits decisions. While hourly rates may appear lower in full-time hospital roles, they frequently include valuable health insurance. This complexity calls for negotiating skills, as individuals in Fremont should consider total compensation when evaluating job offers, balancing higher hourly rates with potential benefits provided by full-time employment.
More salary data for Fremont, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Fremont in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Fremont?
Are sterile processing technicians in Fremont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Fremont?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fremont?
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 Fremont. 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 Fremont 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