Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Tracy, CA: $59,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Tracy, CA earns a median $59,035/year (≈ $28.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Tracy's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $52,197 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Tracy, California, is projected to be a median of $59,035, significantly above the national figure of $47,724. The salary range for this role varies from $45,876 at the lower end (P10) to $85,794 at the high end (P90), reflecting the diverse responsibilities and skill sets required in the local healthcare facilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the strong demand for sterile processing technicians, particularly in specialized areas like endoscope reprocessing (CER), which enhances earnings potential in this locale. The job market in Tracy favors those who have invested in credentials, with a growing focus on specialized training reflective of the evolving landscape of sterile processing.
About the Tracy Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,876 | $22.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,425 | $23.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,035 | $28.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,755 | $35.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,794 | $41.25 |
Median Salary Position
23.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tracy
In Tracy, CA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,918 (2026 est.). At $59,035, the local median is 23.7% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tracy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tracy Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Tracy median: $59,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tracy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $60,736 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +23.70% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Tracy, CA earn a median of $59,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.80% below the California state average of $60,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tracy has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tracy, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,035 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,197 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,461
2025 BLS Actual
$56,645
2026 Current Est.
$59,035
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tracy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,461 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,387 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,527 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tracy metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $44,461 (2019) to $56,645 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,527 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,066 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tracy 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) | $45,876 – $49,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,425 – $59,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,035 – $73,755 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,755 – $85,794 |
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 Tracy
Analyzing the local job market for sterile processing technicians reveals a robust demand, with 14 individuals currently employed in this profession in Tracy. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also account for higher living expenses in the area. Employment in hospital sterile processing departments (SPDs) typically offers the best compensation, outpacing pay in ambulatory surgery centers and dental specialty practices. Notably, factors such as shift differentials for evenings and weekends, staffing for trauma centers, and the necessity for credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER contribute significantly to the pay scale variance. For technicians looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications and seeking opportunities in trauma centers may offer the best prospects for higher pay in Tracy, CA.
More salary data for Tracy, 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 $56,645 for sterile processing techniciansin the Tracy 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 Tracy 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