Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $29.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Tustin, CA runs $29.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,705 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $29.18, substantially higher than the national median of $22.94. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in roles such as SPD decontamination, instrument processing, and endoscope reprocessing. Those working part-time, typically at three days a week, can expect to make around $1,398.24 weekly based on this hourly rate, allowing for a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wage range for sterile processing technicians in Tustin spans from $21.52 at the entry-level to $42.25 for those with extensive experience or specialized certifications like CRCST or CER. Such rates provide insights into the promising financial landscape for those considering or currently working in this essential field.
About the Tustin 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) | $21.52 | $172.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.66 | $189.26 |
| Median (P50) | $29.18 | $233.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.64 | $285.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.25 | $338.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $29.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.18/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,698 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,018. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,167.26 | $5,058 | $60,698 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $700.36 | $3,035 | $36,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.91 | $2,023 | $24,279 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Tustin) | $29.18 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $60,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.20% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.10% below the California state average of $60,766.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.18/hr = $36,419/year (purchasing power: $32,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,698/year (purchasing power: $53,667).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tustin grew 27.4% from $21.98/hr (2019) to $28.00/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.41/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Earning potential for sterile processing technicians can vary significantly depending on employment types in Tustin. For example, a part-time technician working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $36,912 annually, a significant income but still less than a full-time role, which can reach $60,705 for those working 40 hours a week. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Tustin tends to range from $22 to $32 per hour, depending largely on credentials like CER or extensive experience. Meanwhile, travel contracts have emerged due to workforce shortages, often offering between $1,000 and $1,500 per week, which could appeal to technicians seeking higher hourly compensation. Employment settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and dental practices, can influence these rates. Many technicians often trade off some hourly wages for the stability of health benefits provided by full-time positions. It’s essential to negotiate effectively; those aiming for higher pay should highlight their certifications and experience during discussions, especially in a market with growing demand due to new credentialing laws and the rising importance of endoscope reprocessing.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tustin in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Tustin?
Are sterile processing technicians in Tustin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Tustin?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tustin?
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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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