Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in La Habra, CA: $28.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in La Habra, CA runs $28.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,679 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against La Habra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,209 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Habra, California, the median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $28.21, significantly surpassing the national median of $22.94. This competitive hourly rate can provide a more comfortable lifestyle for part-time workers who typically engage in three-day workweeks, allowing them to balance personal commitments while still earning a respectable income. Additionally, those in per-diem roles can expect to work in environments such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing areas, where they often receive pay rates that range from $21.63 to $41.68 per hour, depending on experience and employer. Entry-level technicians begin around the $21.63 mark, while the most experienced can earn up to $41.68 per hour, offering a clear pathway for career advancement within this essential field.
About the La Habra 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) | $21.63 | $173.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.42 | $187.35 |
| Median (P50) | $28.21 | $225.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.01 | $280.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.68 | $333.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Habra
Based on $28.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.21/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Habra, CA can expect to earn approximately $58,682 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,855. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Habra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Habra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,128.49 | $4,890 | $58,682 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.10 | $2,934 | $35,209 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.40 | $1,956 | $23,473 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (La Habra) | $28.21 |
| 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 La Habra, CA earn a median of $58,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.95% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.40% below the California state average of $60,744.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.21/hr = $35,209/year (purchasing power: $31,131).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,682/year (purchasing power: $51,885).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in La Habra grew 27.4% from $21.25/hr (2019) to $27.07/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.40/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 La Habra 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 La Habra
The earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians can be quite distinctive; those working 24 hours a week will take home around $35,000 annually based on their hourly rate, which is less than a full-time counterpart earning an estimated $58,679. The shift towards per-diem roles has become commonplace in recent years, with technicians charging rates that generally fall between $22 to $32 per hour, while those with specialized CER credentials may command rates as high as $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. It's essential to recognize that earnings can vary considerably based on the type of employer, as hospitals typically offer more comprehensive benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers and dental specialty practices might provide higher hourly wages without the same level of benefits. Many technicians might opt for lower hourly wages when health insurance is part of the package, thus necessitating a careful consideration of the overall compensation structure. For those negotiating their pay, understanding market rates and being familiar with the specifics of local contracts can be advantageous in securing the best possible compensation for their skills and expertise in La Habra.
More salary data for La Habra, 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 La Habra. 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 La Habra 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