Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Downey, CA: $61,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Downey, CA earns a median $61,528/year (≈ $29.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,401 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the 2026 median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is projected at $61,528, considerably higher than the national median of $47,724, showcasing a competitive advantage within the local job market. The salary range is estimated between $43,848 at the 10th percentile and $94,026 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diversity in compensation levels dependent on experience and specialty credentials. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, indicate that Downey's economy supports this promising salary outlook. Given the recent shift towards credential-required hiring practices that have emerged since 2021, particularly among hospital systems, individuals pursuing a career in this field can find robust opportunities here, driven by an evolving demand for qualified professionals.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,848 | $21.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,221 | $24.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,528 | $29.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,760 | $37.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,026 | $45.20 |
Median Salary Position
28.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,178 (2026 est.). At $61,528, the local median is 28.92% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Downey median: $61,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,739 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +28.92% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Downey, CA earn a median of $61,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.92% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% above the California state average of $60,739.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,528 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,401 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,338
2025 BLS Actual
$59,037
2026 Current Est.
$61,528
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,338 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,042 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,037 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,338 (2019) to $59,037 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,787 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $43,848 – $51,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,221 – $61,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,528 – $77,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,760 – $94,026 |
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 Downey
With 22 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, Downey’s job market reflects a moderate level of activity within this specialty. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which indicates higher living expenses compared to the national average. This elevated cost could impact take-home purchasing power for technicians in the region. Local employers such as large hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental specialty practices generally offer the most competitive pay. Variations in compensation stem from several factors, including shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, advanced credential stacking such as CRCST + CIS + CER, and the presence of specialty roles like lead or supervisory positions. To maximize earning potential in Downey, it is advisable for technicians to pursue additional certifications and seek employment in trauma centers or facilities with high surgical turnover, as these factors significantly influence salary outcomes.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $59,037 for sterile processing techniciansin the Downey 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 Downey 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