Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $28.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Riverside, CA runs $28.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,591 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,742 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, the sterile processing technician hourly rate stands at $28.64, reflecting a substantial advantage over the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive pay is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers, each of whom may face different operational environments, such as decontamination and assembly rooms in hospitals or endoscope reprocessing areas. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a solid income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level technicians can earn approximately $21.59, while experienced professionals can see their hourly rates rise to around $44.28. These figures, drawn from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight the strong earning potential within this essential field in Riverside.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.59 | $172.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.90 | $191.18 |
| Median (P50) | $28.64 | $229.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.27 | $274.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.28 | $354.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $28.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.64/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,368. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,145.59 | $4,964 | $59,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.35 | $2,979 | $35,742 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.23 | $1,986 | $23,828 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Riverside) | $28.64 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $59,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.87% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% below the California state average of $60,745.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.64/hr = $35,742/year (purchasing power: $33,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,570/year (purchasing power: $55,965).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Riverside grew 20.8% from $22.75/hr (2019) to $27.48/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.85/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
When considering part-time roles, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week can realistically earn a significant annual income, though still below what full-time counterparts might make. Moreover, the likely hourly compensation for per-diem or agency positions often falls between $22 and $32, while credentialed endoscope reprocessors may command $28 to $40 an hour, creating an attractive option in today's job market. Hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer, with hospitals, surgery centers, and third-party sterile processing service providers offering varied compensation. While some technicians opt for lower hourly wages with included health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater financial flexibility. Negotiation tactics in Riverside can involve emphasizing credentialing like CRCST or CER when discussing pay, as credential stacking adds value to the skilled workforce in this burgeoning field.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Riverside in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Riverside?
Are sterile processing technicians in Riverside paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Riverside?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Riverside?
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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 Riverside. 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