Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Brentwood, CA: $60,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Brentwood, CA earns a median $60,613/year (≈ $29.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Brentwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For sterile processing technicians in Brentwood, California, the projected median salary in 2026 is $60,613, significantly higher than the national median of $47,724. This competitive compensation reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in endoscope reprocessing, a specialty area that has gained prominence due to increasing scope-related infection litigation. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $44,797 at the 10th percentile to $91,423 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for increased earnings based on experience, credentials, and specific job responsibilities. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that Brentwood offers a robust market for sterile processing technicians, who play an essential role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of surgical operations in healthcare facilities.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,797 | $21.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,018 | $23.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,613 | $29.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,904 | $35.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,423 | $43.95 |
Median Salary Position
27.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
In Brentwood, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,626 (2026 est.). At $60,613, the local median is 27.01% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brentwood Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Brentwood median: $60,613/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,796 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +27.01% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Brentwood, CA earn a median of $60,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.01% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.30% below the California state average of $60,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brentwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brentwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,613 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,592 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,649
2025 BLS Actual
$58,159
2026 Current Est.
$60,613
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,308 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,171 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brentwood metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,649 (2019) to $58,159 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,171 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,522 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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) | $44,797 – $49,018 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,018 – $60,613 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,613 – $73,904 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,904 – $91,423 |
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 Brentwood
In terms of local employment dynamics, currently, there are 13 sterile processing technicians employed in Brentwood, navigating a job market characterized by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which means living expenses here are slightly above the national average. As a result, take-home purchasing power can be impacted, making pay structures increasingly important for potential job seekers. The highest-paying opportunities are typically found in hospital sterile processing departments and trauma centers, which often pay more than ambulatory surgery and specialty centers due to the complexity of the procedures and greater shift differentials for evening or overnight work. To maximize earning potential in Brentwood, candidates should focus on acquiring multiple credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as considering supervisory or lead roles, which command higher salaries. Keeping abreast of state registration laws and the evolving certification landscape can also provide a competitive edge in securing desirable positions in this field.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $58,159 for sterile processing techniciansin the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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