Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Compton, CA: $60,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Compton, CA earns a median $60,185/year (≈ $28.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician is $60,185 for 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $47,724. This salary reflects a considerable rise in local compensation rates following the shift to credential-required hiring that many hospitals adopted post-2021. Technicians can expect to earn between $43,734 at the 10th percentile and $85,943 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a notable earning potential based on experience and credentials. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect necessary adjustments for regional economic factors, providing a comprehensive overview of the sterile processing technician salary in Compton.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,734 | $21.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,768 | $24.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,185 | $28.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,914 | $35.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,943 | $41.32 |
Median Salary Position
26.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,209 (2026 est.). At $60,185, the local median is 26.11% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Compton median: $60,185/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,793 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +26.11% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Compton, CA earn a median of $60,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.11% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% below the California state average of $60,793.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,185 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,214 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,327
2025 BLS Actual
$57,748
2026 Current Est.
$60,185
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,327 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,973 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,218 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,725 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,327 (2019) to $57,748 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,398 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $43,734 – $51,768 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,768 – $60,185 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,185 – $72,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,914 – $85,943 |
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 Compton
Looking deeper into the job market, there are currently 25 sterile processing technicians employed within Compton. Despite the salary projections being favorable, the cost of living in the area, with an index of 113.1, can impact actual purchasing power for these professionals. Leading employers, such as hospital sterile processing departments and multi-doctor dental specialty practices, generally offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers. The disparity between lower and higher wages can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight work, various credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as lead or supervisory roles. To maximize earnings, technicians should aim for these additional certifications and consider positions in trauma centers or specialized facilities where demand and compensation are higher, particularly in the evolving landscape of sterile processing in Compton, CA.
More salary data for Compton, 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 $57,748 for sterile processing techniciansin the Compton 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 Compton 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