Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Fairfield, CA: $62,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Fairfield, CA earns a median $62,653/year (≈ $30.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,396 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, the role of a sterile processing technician commands a substantial median salary of $62,653, a figure significantly higher than the national median of $47,724. The salary spectrum for this position ranges from $46,638 at the lower end (P10) to a competitive $91,532 for those at the top tier (P90). This data, derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS information and adjusted for regional cost variances, reflects the growing demand for skilled technicians, particularly in specialized areas such as endoscope reprocessing (CER), where additional expertise can command premium pay. With the evolving job landscape in healthcare, Fairfield offers a robust market for these professionals, signaling opportunities for those equipped with credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,638 | $22.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,156 | $24.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,653 | $30.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,824 | $36.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,532 | $44.00 |
Median Salary Position
31.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,894 (2026 est.). At $62,653, the local median is 31.28% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $62,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,769 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +31.28% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $62,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.28% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.10% above the California state average of $60,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,653 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,396 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,185
2025 BLS Actual
$60,116
2026 Current Est.
$62,653
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,185 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,299 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,297 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $47,185 (2019) to $60,116 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,112 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $46,638 – $51,156 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,156 – $62,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,653 – $76,824 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,824 – $91,532 |
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 Fairfield
As of 2026, Fairfield's job market for sterile processing technicians includes approximately 25 individuals currently employed in this capacity. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, which indicates that while salaries are competitive, the take-home pay may be impacted by higher living expenses. Among employers, hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer the most competitive salaries, especially for those working in trauma centers or holding additional specialties. The salary variation within this market can be influenced by shift differentials for evening or overnight work, the level of credential stacking, and roles in supervisory positions. For aspiring technicians in Fairfield, focusing on obtaining key certifications and gaining experience in premium settings can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 $60,116 for sterile processing techniciansin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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