Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $29.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Temecula, CA runs $29.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temecula, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to average $29.87 in 2026, which notably surpasses the national median of $22.94. For professionals working part-time roles—such as three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a solid earning potential, particularly within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other medical settings. The hourly range for these technicians spans from $21.87 for entry-level positions to $43.19 for seasoned professionals, indicating substantial growth opportunities as technicians gain experience and potentially enhance their certifications through programs like HSPA. These figures underscore the evolving nature of the sterile processing field, reflecting the shift towards credential-required hiring initiated post-2021, as employers prioritize skilled labor.
About the Temecula 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) | $21.87 | $174.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.21 | $201.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.87 | $238.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.29 | $290.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.19 | $345.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $29.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.87/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,843. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.78 | $5,177 | $62,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.87 | $3,106 | $37,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.91 | $2,071 | $24,851 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Temecula) | $29.87 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $62,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.18% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.20% above the California state average of $60,790.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.87/hr = $37,277/year (purchasing power: $32,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,128/year (purchasing power: $54,932).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Temecula grew 27.4% from $22.50/hr (2019) to $28.66/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.13/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
In terms of financial implications, a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $46,958 annually. In contrast, those in per-diem roles might see varied rates, often billing between $22 and $32 per hour; specialized endoscope reprocessors can command $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Travel agreements, which have become more prominent in response to industry shortages, can yield earnings of $1,000 to $1,500 weekly. The differences in hourly rates vary significantly across employer types in Temecula, with hospitals frequently providing better benefits, though at a lower hourly wage compared to specialty clinics or third-party services. This variance contributes to ongoing discussions about benefits versus hourly rates, prompting many in the field to weigh job security and healthcare coverage against potentially higher hourly alternatives, thus affecting their job negotiations and choices moving forward.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Temecula in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Temecula?
Are sterile processing technicians in Temecula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Temecula?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Temecula?
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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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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