Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $39.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $39.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, a sterile processing technician can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $39.92, significantly higher than the national average of $22.94. This competitive pay opens up various opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers in hospital sterile processing departments, outpatient surgery centers, and specialized facilities. For those working three days a week, this translates to a promising income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The range of hourly earnings extends from $29.92 for entry-level positions up to $60.12 for top earners, reflecting a diverse job market where experience and credentials, such as CRCST and CER, can lead to increased pay rates. These estimates are projected from the anticipated outcomes based on 2025 BLS data, illustrating a clear potential for growth within this profession in Sunnyvale.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $29.92 | $239.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.92 | $319.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.93 | $399.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.12 | $481.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $39.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.92/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,900. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,596.65 | $6,919 | $83,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.99 | $4,151 | $49,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.66 | $2,768 | $33,210 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Sunnyvale) | $39.92 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $83,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 73.99% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 36.60% above the California state average of $60,788.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.92/hr = $49,815/year (purchasing power: $44,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,026/year (purchasing power: $73,409).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sunnyvale grew 27.4% from $30.06/hr (2019) to $38.30/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.60/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
While full-time sterile processing technicians enjoy stable income, part-time professionals face unique earning expectations. For example, working 24 hours a week at $39.92 per hour yields an annual take-home that, while substantial, differs significantly from full-time earnings. In the context of per diem placements, rates can vary widely, with many sterile processing technicians billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command between $28 and $40 per hour in agency roles. With the rise of travel contracts offering upwards of $1,000 to $1,500 per week, many technicians are weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates and job benefits, such as health insurance. Employers such as hospitals may provide more comprehensive benefits, which can make lower hourly rates more appealing to some workers. Those seeking the best opportunities in Sunnyvale should consider the specific employer type, as sterile processing technician hourly pay can diverge across settings, from large hospital systems to specialized dental practices. Negotiation is also key—understanding local trends can empower technologists to discuss rates confidently.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Sunnyvale?
Are sterile processing technicians in Sunnyvale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Sunnyvale?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sunnyvale?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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