Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Berkeley, CA: $60,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Berkeley, CA earns a median $60,994/year (≈ $29.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is $60,994 in 2026, which reflects a notable increase of 27.81% compared to the national median of $47,724. This figure places technicians in the local area within a salary range that spans from $47,417 at the 10th percentile to $88,172 at the 90th percentile. Such promising salary estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price competitiveness, highlight the particularly lucrative opportunities available for those specializing in endoscope reprocessing and other advanced competencies. The presence of specialized skills not only enhances earning potential but also enriches the technician's value in an evolving healthcare landscape that increasingly demands credentialed professionals.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,417 | $22.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,466 | $24.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,994 | $29.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,092 | $35.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,172 | $42.39 |
Median Salary Position
27.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,755 (2026 est.). At $60,994, the local median is 27.81% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $60,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,751 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +27.81% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $60,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.81% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% above the California state average of $60,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,929 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,936
2025 BLS Actual
$58,524
2026 Current Est.
$60,994
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,936 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,568 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,936 (2019) to $58,524 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,568 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,632 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $47,417 – $51,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,466 – $60,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,994 – $74,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,092 – $88,172 |
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 Berkeley
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Berkeley remains competitive, with approximately 23 professionals currently employed in various healthcare settings. This local demand, paired with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicates that while salaries may appear attractive, the purchasing power of take-home pay is affected by the higher expenses associated with living in the area. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices might offer varying salaries, with larger systems often compensating more generously, especially for those with credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Factors contributing to significant salary variations may include shift differentials, such as evening or overnight roles, and specific responsibilities like supervising staff. To maximize earnings in the Berkeley market, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles within trauma centers or hospitals that value advanced skill sets highly.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Berkeley?
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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 $58,524 for sterile processing techniciansin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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