Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Manteca, CA: $28.56 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Manteca, CA runs $28.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Manteca's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,638 per year.

$59,405
Median Annual Salary
$28.56/hr
Hourly Rate
$46,748
Entry Level (P10)
$87,215
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Manteca, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Manteca, CA sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Manteca, California, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $28.56, significantly outpacing the national median of $22.94. This advantageous hourly pay means that even part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, can expect a substantial income for their contributions in busy environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. Within the local landscape, entry-level technicians might start at around $22.47, while experienced professionals can command up to $41.93 per hour, highlighting the potential for career growth in this vital field.

About the Manteca Market

Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$22.47$179.76
Lower Range (P25)$24.13$193.02
Median (P50)$28.56$228.45
Upper Range (P75)$35.23$281.81
Top Earners (P90)$41.93$335.42

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manteca

Based on $28.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Manteca earning $28.56/hr would make approximately $34,268 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $59,397 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$34,268Reduced (32 hr/wk)$45,690Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$59,397

At $28.56/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manteca, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,268. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manteca.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$228.45
per 8hr shift
$1,142.25
per week
$4,950
per month
$59,397
per year

Schedule Comparison in Manteca

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,142.25$4,950$59,397
Part-Time (24 hrs)$685.35$2,970$35,638
Per Diem (16 hrs)$456.90$1,980$23,759

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Manteca)$28.56
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Manteca ($59,405) with California average ($60,742) and the US national median ($47,724).Manteca$59,405California Avg$60,742-2.20%US National$47,724+24.48%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Manteca, CA earn a median of $59,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.48% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.20% below the California state average of $60,742.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $28.56/hr = $35,638/year (purchasing power: $31,510).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,397/year (purchasing power: $52,517).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$21.51/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$27.40/hr

2026 Current Est.

$28.56/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Manteca (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Manteca. Baseline $21.51/hr in 2025, projected to $29.76/hr by 2027.$19$23$27$31$352019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.51$22.29$21.95$23.83$26.01$32.96$27.40$28.56$29.76
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.51/hrActual
2020$22.29/hrActual
2021$21.95/hrActual
2022$23.83/hrActual
2023$26.01/hrActual
2024$32.96/hrActual
2025$27.40/hrActual
2026(current)$28.56/hrEstimated
2027$29.76/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Manteca grew 27.4% from $21.51/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.76/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manteca metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Manteca

For a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can still amount to a noteworthy income, often resulting in approximately $35,000, depending on the exact hours worked and any added per diem shifts. Per diem or agency roles present unique financial opportunities, typically offering pay rates between $22 and $32 per hour for general technicians, while specialized roles like CER credentialed endoscope reprocessors can reach $28 to $40 per hour. In Manteca, variations in pay also depend on the type of employer, with hospitals generally offering higher hourly rates compared to specialty practices or third-party providers. The decision to pursue higher hourly pay without benefits versus a lower rate with healthcare options is one many technicians face. When negotiating their pay, technicians should focus on their credentials—especially those holding CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications—since these can enhance their bargaining power significantly in both full-time and per diem positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Manteca in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Manteca is $28.56/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $22.47 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.93 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 24.5% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Manteca?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Manteca earns approximately $2,970/month, or $35,638/year at the median hourly rate of $28.56. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Manteca paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Manteca are paid hourly at a median rate of $28.56/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $59,397/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Manteca?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Manteca earns approximately $59,397/year at the median hourly rate of $28.56. This is 24.5% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $87,210/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Manteca?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Manteca sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.93/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Manteca. 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 Manteca is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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