Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Richmond, CA: $61,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Richmond, CA earns a median $61,917/year (≈ $29.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual compensation for sterile processing technicians in Richmond, California, is projected to reach $61,917, reflecting significant local demand in a field that has increasingly adopted credential-required hiring since 2021. The anticipated salary range varies widely, from $44,740 at the lower end to $91,407 for those at the top tier, which suggests opportunities for growth as the specialization of roles within the sterile processing department (SPD) expands. Estimates are derived from state-level BLS data and adjustments for regional market conditions, indicating Richmond's competitive environment for healthcare professionals. With the current employability for sterile processing technicians in the area, these salaries reflect the importance of certification and experience in securing favorable pay rates.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,740 | $21.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,673 | $23.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,917 | $29.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,342 | $36.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,407 | $43.95 |
Median Salary Position
29.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,667 (2026 est.). At $61,917, the local median is 29.74% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Richmond median: $61,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,763 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +29.74% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Richmond, CA earn a median of $61,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.74% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% above the California state average of $60,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,917 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,745 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,631
2025 BLS Actual
$59,410
2026 Current Est.
$61,917
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,530 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,631 (2019) to $59,410 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,530 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,899 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $44,740 – $49,673 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,673 – $61,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,917 – $76,342 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,342 – $91,407 |
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 Richmond
The job landscape in Richmond shows a concentrated workforce of 25 sterile processing technicians, highlighting a relatively small but stable market. While the cost of living index stands at 113.1, signaling that expenses are above the national average, earning potential remains robust for technicians. The highest salaries are typically found in hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, where factors such as shift differentials, credential stacking—like holding CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications—and supervisory roles can significantly influence pay. The variation between lower and upper income levels is often tied to specialization and the complexity of procedures, particularly in trauma centers that may require additional competencies. For those looking to increase their earnings in this competitive market, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in higher-paying environments can provide practical pathways to enhancing their sterile processing technician pay in Richmond, CA.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $59,410 for sterile processing techniciansin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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