Sterile Processing Technician Salary in La Mirada, CA: $60,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in La Mirada, CA earns a median $60,380/year (≈ $29.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in La Mirada's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,386 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in La Mirada, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,380, positioning them 26.52% higher than the national median of $47,724 for this role. Salaries in the area range from $47,614 at the 10th percentile to $84,299 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variety of skill levels and experience within the profession. Factors such as evening and overnight surgical tray turnover can significantly influence compensation, leading to additional shift differentials that boost earnings. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and consider regional price adjustments necessary for understanding the La Mirada market.
About the La Mirada Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,614 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,815 | $24.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,380 | $29.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,752 | $35.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,299 | $40.53 |
Median Salary Position
26.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Mirada
In La Mirada, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,685 (2026 est.). At $60,380, the local median is 26.52% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Mirada: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Mirada Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
La Mirada median: $60,380/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Mirada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,744 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +26.52% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in La Mirada, CA earn a median of $60,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.52% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.60% below the California state average of $60,744.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Mirada has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Mirada, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,380 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,386 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,474
2025 BLS Actual
$57,935
2026 Current Est.
$60,380
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,675 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,935 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Mirada metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,474 (2019) to $57,935 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,454 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Mirada 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) | $47,614 – $50,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,815 – $60,380 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,380 – $73,752 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,752 – $84,299 |
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 La Mirada
With only 10 sterile processing technicians currently employed in La Mirada, job opportunities may be somewhat limited, but demand for professionals in this field remains strong due to the increasing importance of proper sterilization practices. The area’s cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that everyday expenses are above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among the highest-paying employers are large hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, which often provide better compensation compared to ambulatory surgery centers. The pay disparity is largely driven by factors such as shift differentials, the presence of specialized credentials like CRCST and CIS, and roles that include supervisory responsibilities. To maximize earning potential in La Mirada, it is wise for technicians to pursue additional certifications and seek roles in higher-paying institutions, as these can lead to significant pay increases and a more stable career trajectory.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in La Mirada, CA in 2026?
Is La Mirada, CA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in La Mirada?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in La Mirada?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in La Mirada?
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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 $57,935 for sterile processing techniciansin the La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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