Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chino Hills, CA: $60,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chino Hills, CA earns a median $60,878/year (≈ $29.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chino Hills's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,827 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chino Hills, CA, the outlook for sterile processing technicians is quite favorable, with a projected median annual salary of $60,878 in 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $47,724, offering a competitive edge for local professionals. Salaries for this occupation range from $45,359 at the lower end to $88,325 for the top earners, highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These estimates derive from the BLS state-level data and consider regional cost adjustments, which are crucial given the city's cost of living index of 113.1. The growing demand for specialized skills, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, reflects an increasing emphasis on infection control and safety, a critical aspect of modern healthcare. As such, Chino Hills presents promising career prospects for sterile processing technicians.
About the Chino Hills Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,359 | $21.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,553 | $23.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,878 | $29.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,590 | $35.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,325 | $42.46 |
Median Salary Position
27.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chino Hills
In Chino Hills, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,966 (2026 est.). At $60,878, the local median is 27.56% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chino Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chino Hills Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chino Hills median: $60,878/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chino Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,757 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +27.56% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chino Hills, CA earn a median of $60,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.56% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.20% above the California state average of $60,757.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chino Hills has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chino Hills, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,878 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,827 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,849
2025 BLS Actual
$58,413
2026 Current Est.
$60,878
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chino Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,804 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,449 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,447 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chino Hills metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,849 (2019) to $58,413 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,447 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,598 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino Hills 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) | $45,359 – $49,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,553 – $60,878 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,878 – $74,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,590 – $88,325 |
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 Chino Hills
Though there are currently only 21 sterile processing technicians employed in Chino Hills, the job market shows room for growth with an annual growth rate of 4.22%. However, the cost of living in the area does impact take-home pay and purchasing power, requiring technicians to consider compensation relative to living expenses. Employers in this region include hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, with hospitals typically offering the highest pay due to the complexity and volume of processes handled. Factors influencing salary variation include shift differentials, additional certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the supervisory roles available in the field. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, strategies such as acquiring multiple certifications, seeking evening or overnight shifts, and leveraging experience in trauma center environments can lead to more favorable compensation. Understanding local market dynamics is vital for any technician looking to succeed in Chino Hills.
More salary data for Chino Hills, 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 $58,413 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chino Hills 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 Chino Hills 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