Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $28.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $28.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,404 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $28.37 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate positions technicians favorably, especially for part-time workers who might typically secure shifts three days a week, potentially earning about $1,081 weekly if working 40 hours in those three days. Per-diem roles, common in hospital settings like SPD decontamination areas and endoscope reprocessing units, also offer lucrative opportunities. Entry-level positions may start around $21.90 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $42.30, illustrating a broad range of financial potential for those in the field. This upward trajectory in pay reflects the increasing recognition of the role's requirements and complexities, especially as hospitals move towards credentialed hiring following recent trends.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $21.90 | $175.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.73 | $189.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.37 | $226.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.37 | $282.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.30 | $338.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $28.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.37/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,042. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.75 | $4,917 | $59,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.85 | $2,950 | $35,404 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.90 | $1,967 | $23,603 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Laguna Niguel) | $28.37 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $59,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.63% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.90% below the California state average of $60,763.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.37/hr = $35,404/year (purchasing power: $31,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,007/year (purchasing power: $52,172).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Laguna Niguel grew 27.4% from $21.37/hr (2019) to $27.22/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.57/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
For part-time professionals, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week could bring home approximately $43,265 annually compared to full-time peers, who would generate a more robust income. Many per-diem or agency technicians might bill from $22 to $32 hourly, depending on the facility's budget. Specialized roles such as certified endoscope reprocessors can earn between $28 and $40 per hour in agency positions, with travel contracts reaching $1,000 to $1,500 weekly. Hourly compensation can fluctuate based on the employer type, whether it's a large hospital SPD, an ambulatory surgery center, or a private dental practice. Some technicians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without added perks. When negotiating hourly rates in Laguna Niguel, it’s prudent to research local offerings and emphasize relevant certifications like CRCST, CIS, or CER, making a valuable case for higher compensation.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Laguna Niguel?
Are sterile processing technicians in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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