Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $46,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chico, CA earns a median $46,894/year (≈ $22.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $46,339 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.8% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a sterile processing technician in Chico, CA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $46,894, slightly trailing the national average of $47,724. The salary range for this role in the area spans from $46,363 at the bottom 10th percentile to approximately $59,461 for those at the 90th percentile. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys and reflects the growing importance of shift differentials in the market. Evening and overnight shifts for surgical tray turnover often yield higher pay, creating opportunities for technicians to enhance their earnings in a city where demand for skilled professionals is on the rise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,363 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,894 | $22.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,894 | $22.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,279 | $27.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,461 | $28.59 |
Median Salary Position
1.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,098 (2026 est.). At $46,894, the local median is 1.74% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Chico Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chico median: $46,894/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,743 | -22.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -1.74% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chico, CA earn a median of $46,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.74% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 22.80% below the California state average of $60,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,894 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,339 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,317
2025 BLS Actual
$44,995
2026 Current Est.
$46,894
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,873 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,317 (2019) to $44,995 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,873 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,556 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $46,363 – $46,894 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,894 – $46,894 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,894 – $57,279 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,279 – $59,461 |
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 Chico
Considering the cost of living in Chico, which is indexed at 101.197—slightly above the national average—purchasing power is a relevant consideration for those in the field. Local employers such as hospital sterile processing departments generally offer the best compensation; however, specialty surgical centers and dental practices are also notable for competitive pay. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials, the relevance of credential stacking—such as obtaining certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER—and the setting of the position, with trauma centers typically offering superior compensation. To maximize pay, aspiring technicians should pursue advanced credentials and be open to flexible shift schedules, maximizing their potential in a city where capable professionals are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Chico, CA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Chico?
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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 $44,995 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chico 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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