Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Thousand Oaks, CA: $28.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Thousand Oaks, CA runs $28.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,167 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Thousand Oaks's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thousand Oaks, California, the projected median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians stands at $28.93. This figure significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $22.94, making the role financially attractive in the local healthcare market. For those seeking part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this wage allows for a comfortable living while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay ranges from $22.70 for entry-level positions to $43.81 for more experienced technicians, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility and expertise in settings like hospital SPD decontamination rooms, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and surgical instrument processing areas. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, emphasize the notable earning potential within the sterile processing profession in Thousand Oaks.
About the Thousand Oaks 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) | $22.70 | $181.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.48 | $195.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.93 | $231.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.33 | $290.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.81 | $350.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thousand Oaks
Based on $28.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.93/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thousand Oaks, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,177 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,718. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thousand Oaks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thousand Oaks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.26 | $5,015 | $60,177 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.36 | $3,009 | $36,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.90 | $2,006 | $24,071 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Thousand Oaks) | $28.93 |
| 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 Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $60,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.07% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% below the California state average of $60,775.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.93/hr = $36,106/year (purchasing power: $31,924).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,177/year (purchasing power: $53,207).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Thousand Oaks grew 27.4% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $27.76/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.15/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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
When examining the annual compensation for a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week, the take-home earnings can be substantial compared to a full-time position. In a per-diem context, rates typically range from $22 to $32 per hour, while those with additional certifications, such as Certified Endoscope Reprocessors (CER), can command between $28 and $40 per hour in agency placements. In recent years, travel contracts for SPD technicians have emerged, offering weekly pay rates from $1,000 to $1,500, particularly in response to workforce shortages that have arisen since 2020. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly between employers in Thousand Oaks, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices. Some technicians may opt for lower hourly wages due to the benefits offered, balancing job security and healthcare options against the allure of higher pay with no benefits. To maximize earning potential, it's advisable for technicians to consider negotiation strategies based on specific employer offerings and their own career stage within the thriving, credential-focused field of sterile processing.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Thousand Oaks in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Thousand Oaks?
Are sterile processing technicians in Thousand Oaks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Thousand Oaks?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Thousand Oaks?
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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 Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks 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