Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $29.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Torrance, CA runs $29.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,082 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $29.71, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $22.94. This elevated rate reflects not only the demand for qualified professionals in the field but also the costs of living in the area. For those working part-time, such as in hospital sterile processing departments or ambulatory surgery centers, this means a three-day work week—averaging 24 hours—can yield a substantial income, particularly when compared to typical earnings of per diem workers. The hourly pay range for sterile processing technicians in Torrance spans from $21.39 at the entry-level to $45.69 for those at the top end of the pay scale. These figures underscore the potential for both part-time and per diem positions in various healthcare settings, including central instrument pickup routes and endoscope reprocessing rooms.
About the Torrance 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) | $21.39 | $171.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.77 | $190.18 |
| Median (P50) | $29.71 | $237.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.72 | $301.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.69 | $365.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $29.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.71/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,656. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,188.52 | $5,150 | $61,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.11 | $3,090 | $37,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.41 | $2,060 | $24,721 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Torrance) | $29.71 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $61,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.51% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.70% above the California state average of $60,776.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.71/hr = $37,082/year (purchasing power: $32,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,803/year (purchasing power: $54,645).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Torrance grew 27.4% from $22.38/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.97/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time sterile processing technicians reveals that working 24 hours a week could generate around $46,435 annually, a respectable figure when evaluated against full-time income. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Torrance varies widely, with typical hourly rates ranging from $22 to $32. Those with specialized credentials, such as a Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), can earn rates between $28 and $40 per hour in agency placements. Moreover, traveling SPD contracts have emerged, offering substantial weekly payments, typically between $1,000 and $1,500 as a response to workforce shortages. Hourly rates often differ based on the employer type, with healthcare facilities such as hospitals offering more comprehensive benefits than smaller surgical centers or third-party providers. Many technicians weigh their hourly rate against benefits, sometimes opting for lower pay to secure health coverage. Negotiating effectively in this market involves understanding local trends and being aware of certification impacts on pay, particularly as credential stacking has become a standard since the post-2021 hiring landscape shifted to favor certified applicants.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Torrance?
Are sterile processing technicians in Torrance paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Torrance?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Torrance?
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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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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