Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in San Mateo, CA runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $29.53 in 2026, outperforming the national median of $22.94. This significant difference can be particularly appealing for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this means strong earning potential, as they can accumulate a competitive wage while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Hourly rates in the area range from $21.04 for entry-level positions to $44.93 for the highest earners, reflecting the diverse complexities of responsibilities and experience levels within this critical field.
About the San Mateo 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) | $21.04 | $168.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.15 | $201.19 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.13 | $289.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.93 | $359.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $29.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.53/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,431. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.02 | $5,118 | $61,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.61 | $3,071 | $36,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.41 | $2,047 | $24,565 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (San Mateo) | $29.53 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $61,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.68% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% above the California state average of $60,742.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.53/hr = $36,848/year (purchasing power: $32,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,413/year (purchasing power: $54,300).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Mateo grew 27.4% from $22.24/hr (2019) to $28.33/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.77/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
Exploring the full scope of earning potential as a sterile processing technician reveals interesting trends. A part-time technician working 24 hours a week could net around $46,000 annually, which is quite appealing compared to full-time salaries. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in San Mateo can vary widely, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $32 per hour; those with additional endoscope reprocessing certifications may command even higher rates between $28 to $40. While hospital departments often offer stability and benefits, some technicians choose to work for third-party services or ambulatory surgical centers, where hourly rates might be less but come without health insurance options. This trade-off is essential to consider during negotiations, particularly in a growing field that increasingly prioritizes credentials like CRCST and CER certifications. Understanding the local market dynamics can provide tactical advantages for technicians looking to enhance their earning capacity effectively.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in San Mateo?
Are sterile processing technicians in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in San Mateo?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
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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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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