Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $29.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $29.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,822 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Buenaventura, California, a sterile processing technician can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.50, reflecting a notable 28.60% increase over the national average, which stands at $22.94. This competitive pay is particularly advantageous for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, who can earn a solid income while potentially enjoying more flexibility in their schedules. For per-diem technicians working in various settings like hospital SPD decontamination rooms, assembly rooms in ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), and endoscope reprocessing areas, understanding the hourly pay range becomes essential for financial planning. Those starting in the field may find entry-level positions pay around $23.22, while seasoned professionals, especially in high-demand roles, can earn as much as $44.94 per hour, making it financially rewarding for those who develop specialized expertise.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $23.22 | $185.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.12 | $200.94 |
| Median (P50) | $29.50 | $236.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.20 | $297.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.94 | $359.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $29.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.50/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,406. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.19 | $5,114 | $61,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.11 | $3,068 | $36,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.07 | $2,046 | $24,548 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (San Buenaventura) | $29.50 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $61,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.60% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% above the California state average of $60,764.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.50/hr = $36,822/year (purchasing power: $32,557).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,370/year (purchasing power: $54,261).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Buenaventura grew 27.4% from $22.22/hr (2019) to $28.31/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.75/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
When considering the earning potential of a part-time sterile processing technician in San Buenaventura, those working a typical 24-hour week take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For example, a technician working 24 hours per week would earn roughly $36,696 annually, compared to a full-time technician who could make around $61,372. Per-diem positions present their own financial nuances, with rates generally ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, while credentialed endoscope reprocessors can bill between $28 and $40 hourly in agency roles. Hospital sterile processing departments often offer different pay scales compared to specialty surgical or dental practices, which can influence hourly rates. Some technicians might accept lower pay for consistent hours and benefits; hospital roles typically offer health insurance, whereas higher-paying positions might not. For local professionals negotiating their pay, understanding the market and leveraging certifications like CRCST or CER is important, as those with advanced credentials often command higher rates.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Buenaventura in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in San Buenaventura?
Are sterile processing technicians in San Buenaventura paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in San Buenaventura?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Buenaventura?
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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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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