Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $28.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in South Gate, CA runs $28.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay reflects a lucrative opportunity for those in the field, with a median rate of $28.78. This hourly rate surpasses the national median of $22.94, indicating favorable compensation within the state. Part-time workers who typically commit to three days a week can expect a steady income that complements their lifestyle, making this position appealing for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly range for sterile processing technicians in South Gate spans from $22.88 for entry-level positions to approximately $42.68 for top earners, allowing for various paths depending on experience and expertise. These estimates stem from annual salary projections and demonstrate a strong market for technicians in high-demand settings such as hospital SPD departments and ambulatory surgical centers.
About the South Gate 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) | $22.88 | $183.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.51 |
| Median (P50) | $28.78 | $230.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.75 | $285.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.68 | $341.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $28.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.78/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $59,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,530. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,151.01 | $4,988 | $59,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.60 | $2,993 | $35,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.40 | $1,995 | $23,941 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (South Gate) | $28.78 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $59,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.43% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.50% below the California state average of $60,769.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.78/hr = $35,911/year (purchasing power: $31,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,852/year (purchasing power: $52,920).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in South Gate grew 27.4% from $21.67/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.99/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
Exploring the financial landscape further reveals the potential for part-time technicians earning around $28.78 per hour. Working a 24-hour week, they can anticipate an annual income of nearly $36,000, significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet offering flexibility. The per diem sterile processing technician pay in South Gate often fluctuates between $22 and $32 per hour, while experienced endoscope reprocessors may command rates from $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Employers of sterile processing personnel in the area, including hospitals and specialty practices, can vary their pay scales based on the demand for specialized skills like endoscope reprocessing. Although some technicians may choose roles with lower hourly pay for the security of benefits, others may prioritize higher wages devoid of traditional employment perks. Those in the profession should practice clear negotiation tactics, emphasizing their credentials and local market rates, to achieve compensation that reflects both their skills and the industry’s evolving landscape.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in South Gate?
Are sterile processing technicians in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in South Gate?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in South Gate?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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