Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Santa Monica, CA runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,418 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Santa Monica'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 Santa Monica, the average sterile processing technician earns a competitive hourly rate of $29.53, significantly above the national median of $22.94. This higher pay reflects not only the cost of living in the region but also the increasing demand for skilled technicians in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a respectable income, allowing flexibility while still bringing home a substantial paycheck. The hourly pay ranges from $22.43 for entry-level positions to $42.29 for highly experienced technicians, indicating a lucrative earning potential as they gain more credentials, such as the CRCST or specialized endoscope reprocessing certifications.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $22.43 | $179.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.36 | $194.85 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.85 | $286.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.29 | $338.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| 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 (Santa Monica) | $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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $61,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.69% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% above the California state average of $60,750.
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 Santa Monica (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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Considering the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Santa Monica can be eye-opening. A 24-hour workweek can yield an annual take-home pay considerably less than full-time colleagues, depending on specific scheduling and shifts. Additionally, seasonal staffing opportunities within hospitals often lead to per diem sterile processing technician pay ranging from $22 to $32 an hour, and certified endoscope reprocessors may command $28 to $40 per hour in agency roles. However, many technicians must balance their choices between higher hourly rates with no benefits versus slightly lower pay that includes health insurance and paid time off. In an environment where sterile processing roles are evolving—especially since the 2021 credential mandate—negotiating hourly pay effectively can involve highlighting credentials like CRCST and agency experience to secure a favorable rate amid varying pay scales offered by different employer types in Santa Monica.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Santa Monica?
Are sterile processing technicians in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Santa Monica?
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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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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