Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Thousand Oaks, CA: $60,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Thousand Oaks, CA earns a median $60,167/year (≈ $28.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Thousand Oaks's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $53,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thousand Oaks, California, the projected salary for a sterile processing technician is $60,167 in 2026, reflecting a notable 26.07% premium over the national median. The salary range for local technicians spans from $47,220 at the 10th percentile to $91,141 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, shows a healthy compensation landscape for those involved in sterile processing. With the shift toward credential-required hiring established after 2021, demand for properly certified technicians has increased, furthering the economic viability of roles in this field.
About the Thousand Oaks Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,923 | $24.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,167 | $28.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,562 | $36.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,141 | $43.81 |
Median Salary Position
26.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thousand Oaks
In Thousand Oaks, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,921 (2026 est.). At $60,167, the local median is 26.07% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thousand Oaks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thousand Oaks Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Thousand Oaks median: $60,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thousand Oaks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,775 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +26.07% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $60,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.07% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% below the California state average of $60,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thousand Oaks has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thousand Oaks, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,167 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,198 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,313
2025 BLS Actual
$57,731
2026 Current Est.
$60,167
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,313 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,537 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thousand Oaks metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $45,313 (2019) to $57,731 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,393 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thousand Oaks 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) | $47,220 – $50,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,923 – $60,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,167 – $75,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,562 – $91,141 |
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 Thousand Oaks
The local job market in Thousand Oaks currently employs 32 sterile processing technicians, signifying a competitive environment for these roles. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which means the increased pay must also contend with above-average living expenses. Employers offering higher wages include hospital sterile processing departments, as well as specialty surgical and dental centers. Factors contributing to the wide salary distribution include shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, the increasing value of advanced credentials like CRCST plus CIS and CER, and the differences between hospital settings and ambulatory surgical centers. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in this market, pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in high-demand environments can be effective strategies for enhancing take-home pay.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Thousand Oaks, CA in 2026?
Is Thousand Oaks, CA a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Thousand Oaks?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Thousand Oaks?
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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 $57,731 for sterile processing techniciansin the Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks 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