Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $61,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $61,418/year (≈ $29.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $54,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a sterile processing technician in Santa Monica, CA is projected to earn a median salary of $61,418, which is significantly higher than the national median of $47,724—making local pay approximately 28.69% above the average across the country. Salaries for these professionals will range from $46,642 at the 10th percentile to as much as $87,978 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market for skills and experience. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities, and highlight the competitive landscape following the 2021 shift towards credential-required hiring in sterile processing. The local job market shows promise as hospitals and surgical centers adapt to include proper qualifications such as the CRCST, serving to boost both salaries and the professionalism of the field.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,642 | $22.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,653 | $24.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,418 | $29.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,574 | $35.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,978 | $42.29 |
Median Salary Position
28.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,336 (2026 est.). At $61,418, the local median is 28.69% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $61,418/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,750 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +28.69% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $61,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.69% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% above the California state average of $60,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,418 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,304 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,255
2025 BLS Actual
$58,931
2026 Current Est.
$61,418
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,935 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $46,255 (2019) to $58,931 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,755 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $46,642 – $50,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,653 – $61,418 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,418 – $74,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,574 – $87,978 |
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 Santa Monica
Examining the local job market, Santa Monica has around 20 sterile processing technicians employed, which can create a tighter and more competitive environment for job seekers. With a cost of living index of 113.1, take-home pay can be impacted, meaning that higher salaries can be crucial for maintaining purchasing power. Many employers, including hospital sterile processing departments and specialized surgical centers, offer the best pay—particularly for those who possess additional certifications like the CIS or CER. The salary difference within the field is influenced by various factors, including shift differentials for evening and overnight work, as well as the designation of facilities as trauma centers. To maximize earning potential in Santa Monica, candidates should focus on gaining required credentials, seeking specialized training, and considering roles in high-demand settings such as ambulatory surgery centers or leading SPD teams.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 $58,931 for sterile processing techniciansin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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