Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $29.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $29.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,597 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cucamonga, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $29.61, significantly higher than the national median of $22.94. This difference of over 29% reflects the local demand for skilled technicians in various environments including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For technicians working part-time, particularly those with a schedule of three days a week, the hourly pay allows for a decent income while managing other commitments. Entry-level technicians might start around $21.25 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $43.32 at the top of the pay scale. The projected hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and provide foundational insight for those considering a career in sterile processing in the area.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $21.25 | $170.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.34 | $202.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.61 | $236.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.35 | $290.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.32 | $346.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $29.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.61/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,531. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.36 | $5,132 | $61,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.61 | $3,079 | $36,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.74 | $2,053 | $24,635 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Rancho Cucamonga) | $29.61 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $61,597 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.07% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% above the California state average of $60,747.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.61/hr = $36,952/year (purchasing power: $32,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,587/year (purchasing power: $54,453).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rancho Cucamonga grew 27.4% from $22.30/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.86/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
When analyzing the financial prospects for sterile processing technicians in Rancho Cucamonga, part-time work can yield a substantial yearly income. For someone working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be considerable, although it may fall short of full-time earnings. Per diem roles also present varied earning potential, with technicians billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while credentials like the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor allow for rates from $28 to $40. Recent trends have seen travel contracts paying $1,000 to $1,500 per week emerge, especially in areas with staffing shortages. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type, with hospitals often offering more stable benefits compared to private practices or third-party service providers. Technicians may need to weigh the benefits of health insurance against the possibility of higher hourly wages. For effective negotiation, understanding local pay rates and the value of credentials can empower workers to secure the best possible pay in a competitive market.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are sterile processing technicians in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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