Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Davis, CA: $58,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Davis, CA earns a median $58,809/year (≈ $28.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $51,997 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Davis, California, is $58,809, significantly higher than the national median of $47,724. This salary reflects a robust local market, which can range from $45,286 at the lower end to $84,985 for those in the higher percentiles. Such figures stem from analyses based on 2025 BLS data, projected into 2026, adjusted for the area's cost of living. The demand for skilled technicians in hospitals, especially during evening and overnight shifts for surgical tray turnover, has a direct impact on compensation, rewarding those who are flexible with their scheduling and capable of handling high-pressure environments.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,286 | $21.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,971 | $23.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,809 | $28.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,140 | $35.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,985 | $40.85 |
Median Salary Position
23.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,699 (2026 est.). At $58,809, the local median is 23.23% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Davis median: $58,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,753 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +23.23% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Davis, CA earn a median of $58,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.23% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.20% below the California state average of $60,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,809 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,997 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,291
2025 BLS Actual
$56,428
2026 Current Est.
$58,809
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,428 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,291 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $44,291 (2019) to $56,428 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,291 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,000 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $45,286 – $48,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,971 – $58,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,809 – $73,140 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,140 – $84,985 |
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 Davis
With 14 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Davis, the local job market appears stable despite a cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates higher living expenses compared to national averages. This incremental cost can affect take-home pay, compelling technicians to seek out the best-paying facilities. Hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer more competitive wages compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices. Factors influencing salary variations include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, as well as the value placed on additional certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in the local market, pursuing advanced credentials and seeking leadership roles or opportunities in trauma centers is advised, as these positions typically command higher payouts.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Davis, CA in 2026?
Is Davis, CA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Davis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Davis?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Davis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $56,428 for sterile processing techniciansin the Davis 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 Davis 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