Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Whittier, CA: $29.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Whittier, CA runs $29.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Whittier's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whittier, California, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to reach $29.64 in 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $22.94. This favorable hourly rate provides a promising opportunity for both part-time and per-diem professionals in various settings, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgery facilities. For technicians working part-time, such as a typical three-day workweek, this financial compensation translates into a stable income while maintaining flexibility. Moreover, technicians in Whittier can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $22.73 for entry-level positions to as high as $42.70 for top earners in the field, showcasing the potential for substantial financial advancement.
About the Whittier 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) | $22.73 | $181.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.51 |
| Median (P50) | $29.64 | $237.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.15 | $289.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.70 | $341.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whittier
Based on $29.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.64/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whittier, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,568. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Whittier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whittier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.61 | $5,138 | $61,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.36 | $3,083 | $36,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.24 | $2,055 | $24,661 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Whittier) | $29.64 |
| 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 Whittier, CA earn a median of $61,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.20% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.50% above the California state average of $60,746.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.64/hr = $36,991/year (purchasing power: $32,706).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,652/year (purchasing power: $54,511).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Whittier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Whittier grew 27.4% from $22.32/hr (2019) to $28.44/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.89/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 Whittier 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 Whittier
Part-time sterile processing technicians who commit to a 24-hour workweek can anticipate annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. In addition, the per diem sterile processing technician pay in Whittier varies widely, with agency workers typically billing between $22 and $32 per hour. Those with certification in endoscope reprocessing can command even higher rates, often ranging from $28 to $40 per hour when placed through agencies. Post-2020 trends have also led to travel contracts offering between $1,000 and $1,500 per week in regions experiencing staffing shortages. Within Whittier, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer, with hospitals generally offering better benefits but might pay slightly less than private practice or third-party processing companies. Many technicians weigh the trade-off between receiving lower hourly rates with healthcare benefits and seeking higher pay without them. For those looking to negotiate, understanding the local market and being equipped with knowledge about recent compensation trends and credential requirements is crucial for getting the best pay possible.
More salary data for Whittier, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Whittier in 2026?
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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 Whittier. 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 Whittier 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