Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pomona, CA: $62,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Pomona, CA earns a median $62,815/year (≈ $30.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $55,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, those employed as sterile processing technicians in Pomona, CA can expect a median annual salary of $62,815, significantly higher than the national median of $47,724. The local salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at $46,831 and experienced technicians earning up to $92,272. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and the numbers reflect adjustments based on regional cost data. The Pomona job market has adapted to the post-2021 shift towards credential-required hiring, making it imperative for technicians to obtain industry-recognized certifications to enhance their employability and earning potential.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,831 | $22.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,487 | $24.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,815 | $30.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,176 | $37.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,272 | $44.37 |
Median Salary Position
31.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,441 (2026 est.). At $62,815, the local median is 31.62% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Pomona median: $62,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,750 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +31.62% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Pomona, CA earn a median of $62,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.62% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.40% above the California state average of $60,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,815 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,539 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,308
2025 BLS Actual
$60,272
2026 Current Est.
$62,815
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $47,308 (2019) to $60,272 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,158 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $46,831 – $51,487 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,487 – $62,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,815 – $77,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,176 – $92,272 |
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 Pomona
In Pomona, the employment outlook for sterile processing technicians shows strength, with 36 individuals currently holding positions in this field. However, the local cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that daily expenses are slightly above the national average. This reality underscores the importance of salary when evaluating job offers. Among the various employers in the area, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical practices. Wage disparities often arise from factors like shift differentials, additional certifications such as CRCST + CIS + CER, and the complexity of the work environment. For those aiming to maximize their salaries in Pomona, pursuing advanced credentials, seeking positions in trauma centers or supervisory roles, and considering evening or overnight shifts can substantially boost earning potential.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Pomona, CA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Pomona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Pomona?
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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 $60,272 for sterile processing techniciansin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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