Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $28.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Los Angeles, CA runs $28.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,729 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the current sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a competitive $28.63. This figure is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $22.94, highlighting the value placed on these professionals in CA's healthcare sector. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to an annual income that allows for a reasonable quality of life within the city. In various healthcare settings, from hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms to outpatient surgery centers, technicians earn between $21.01 and $36.46 hourly, illustrating a range that accommodates entry-level positions as well as those with considerable experience and specialization. It's worthwhile for prospective technicians to be aware of these official BLS figures as they consider career options in sterile processing.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.01 | $168.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.43 |
| Median (P50) | $28.63 | $229.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.75 | $261.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.46 | $291.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $28.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.63/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,355. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,145.17 | $4,962 | $59,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.10 | $2,977 | $35,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.07 | $1,985 | $23,820 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Los Angeles) | $28.63 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $59,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.78% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.00% below the California state average of $60,766.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.63/hr = $35,729/year (purchasing power: $31,461).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,549/year (purchasing power: $52,435).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Los Angeles grew 21.1% from $22.69/hr (2019) to $27.47/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.84/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Exploring part-time earning potential further reveals that a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $37,411 annually, a figure that contrasts with the full-time earnings for those working 40 hours. Furthermore, per diem opportunities are on the rise, with pay rates commonly ranging from $22 to $32 per hour; specialized roles, such as certified endoscope reprocessors, can command up to $40 per hour in some agency placements. In Los Angeles, the type of employer plays a significant role in hourly wages, with hospital SPDs typically offering steady jobs but often lower pay than specialty surgical centers and third-party service providers that may offer higher rates. However, the choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance is a common trade-off for many sterile processing technicians. When negotiating rates, being informed on current market rates and understanding the importance of credentials, such as those issued by HSPA, can empower technicians to advocate for better compensation in a region where the demand for certified professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Los Angeles in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Los Angeles?
Are sterile processing technicians in Los Angeles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Los Angeles?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Los Angeles?
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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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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