Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $28.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Newport Beach, CA runs $28.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Newport Beach, CA, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a promising $28.58, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive rate not only reflects the demand for skilled technicians in the area but also the complexities of their roles within various healthcare settings, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices. Part-time shifts typically consist of three days a week, allowing for flexible work environments that can accommodate both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field. With an entry-level hourly rate starting at $22.52 and experienced technicians earning up to $41.99, the range shows potential for growth, encouraging individuals to pursue the necessary credentials through organizations like HSPA to boost their earning capacity.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $22.52 | $180.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.16 | $193.27 |
| Median (P50) | $28.58 | $228.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.27 | $282.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.99 | $335.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $28.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.58/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,293. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,143.08 | $4,953 | $59,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.85 | $2,972 | $35,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.23 | $1,981 | $23,776 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Newport Beach) | $28.58 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $59,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.56% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.20% below the California state average of $60,781.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.58/hr = $35,664/year (purchasing power: $31,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,440/year (purchasing power: $52,556).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Newport Beach grew 27.4% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $27.42/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.78/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
Working part-time as a sterile processing technician in Newport Beach can lead to interesting earning dynamics when compared to full-time positions. A technician clocking in 24 hours a week would take home approximately $35,000 annually, a figure that underscores the financial implications of part-time employment. Many technicians in this profession consider per-diem opportunities, as these workers can often bill between $22 and $32 per hour. Those with additional certifications for endoscope reprocessing may see their pay rise to $28-$40 per hour, especially in agency placements, and travel contracts have emerged, offering rates as high as $1,500 weekly in shortage markets. The slight variation in hourly rates across various employer types in Newport Beach—such as hospitals, ambulatory centers, and third-party services—also influences decisions regarding benefits versus hourly pay. For those seeking to negotiate their rates, knowing the local market and credential demands can empower them to advocate effectively for their worth in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Newport Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Newport Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Newport Beach?
Are sterile processing technicians in Newport Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Newport Beach?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Newport Beach?
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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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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