Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $60,368 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $60,368/year (≈ $29.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,376 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Apple Valley, California, is projected to reach $60,368, significantly higher than the national median of $47,724, reflecting a 26.49% premium for local professionals. The compensation for this role varies considerably, with a salary range spanning from $44,222 at the 10th percentile to $86,571 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations. The shifts in hiring practices since 2021 have made credentialing essential for success in this field, leading to a competitive salary market that positions Apple Valley attractively for sterile processing technicians.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,222 | $21.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,146 | $25.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,368 | $29.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,403 | $35.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,571 | $41.63 |
Median Salary Position
26.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,349 (2026 est.). At $60,368, the local median is 26.49% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $60,368/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,794 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +26.49% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $60,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.49% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% below the California state average of $60,794.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,368 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,376 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,465
2025 BLS Actual
$57,924
2026 Current Est.
$60,368
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,465 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,116 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,412 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,368 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,916 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,465 (2019) to $57,924 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,916 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,451 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,222 – $52,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,146 – $60,368 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,368 – $73,403 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,403 – $86,571 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Apple Valley
As of now, there are 19 sterile processing technicians working in Apple Valley, a number that reflects a stable job market for this occupation. With a cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average of 100, technicians must consider how this affects their purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments and specialized surgical centers typically offer the highest wages, especially for those holding multiple credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. The wage disparity between entry-level positions and more experienced technicians can often be attributed to factors like shift differentials, additional responsibilities, and the specialized nature of their work. For those looking to maximize their pay within this context, acquiring further certifications and seeking employment in more lucrative settings, such as hospitals and trauma centers, becomes a strategic advantage in Apple Valley’s evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Apple Valley, CA in 2026?
Is Apple Valley, CA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Apple Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Apple Valley?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,924 for sterile processing techniciansin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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