Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Pittsburg, CA: $29.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Pittsburg, CA runs $29.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Pittsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsburg, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $29.38/hr. This figure exceeds the national median hourly pay of $22.94/hr, making the role quite attractive for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working part-time—about three days a week—this hourly rate translates to approximately $23,974 annually, which offers a solid income, particularly in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. Entry-level positions typically pay around $21.97/hr, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $42.92/hr. The diversity of work environments, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental practices, contributes to this wide range in hourly pay, underscoring the value of skills and experience in the sterile processing field.
About the Pittsburg 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) | $21.97 | $175.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.04 | $192.35 |
| Median (P50) | $29.38 | $235.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.10 | $288.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.92 | $343.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburg
Based on $29.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.38/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburg, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,110 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,256. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.18 | $5,092 | $61,110 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.11 | $3,055 | $36,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.07 | $2,037 | $24,444 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Pittsburg) | $29.38 |
| 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 Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $61,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.03% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.50% above the California state average of $60,796.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.38/hr = $36,666/year (purchasing power: $32,419).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,110/year (purchasing power: $54,031).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pittsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pittsburg grew 27.4% from $22.13/hr (2019) to $28.19/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.62/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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
For professionals considering part-time or per-diem work, the earning potential can vary significantly. A part-time sterile processing technician working a typical 24-hour week takes home around $23,974 annually, substantially lower than a full-time technician but still a viable option for those seeking flexibility. On the per-diem side, sterile processing technicians may earn anywhere from $22 to $32/hr, with those holding CER credentials for endoscope reprocessing potentially reaching $28 to $40/hr in agency roles. Travel contracts have emerged post-2020, paying approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per week due to ongoing staffing shortages in some markets. Additionally, technicians must weigh the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits; some may accept lower hourly pay to gain health insurance through full-time employment. In Pittsburg, skilled negotiators can leverage various factors such as certifications and experience to secure better pay rates while navigating the positioning between diverse employer types, from hospital SPD departments to specialty surgical centers.
More salary data for Pittsburg, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pittsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Pittsburg?
Are sterile processing technicians in Pittsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Pittsburg?
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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 Pittsburg. 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 Pittsburg 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