Best Sterile Processing Tech Programs in East Palo Alto, California (2026)

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: Sterile processing technicians in California earn a median of $61,370 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists accredited sterile processing technician schools near East Palo Alto, California with local wage data and median graduate earnings for each school.

Comparing sterile processing technician schools in East Palo Alto, California starts with the local labor market and the credentials each program offers. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $61,370 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

East Palo Alto Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$61,370BLS OEWS, May 2025
California pay range (10th to 90th percentile)$43,680 to $85,240BLS OEWS, May 2025
San Francisco, CA metro median wage$82,140BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024 to 2034)+10.0% growth, about 10,900 openings per yearBLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
State employment8,720 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
San Mateo County establishments10BLS QCEW, 2024
San Mateo County industry employment2,800BLS QCEW, 2024
San Mateo County unemployment rate3.6%BLS LAUS, 2024
California location quotient0.96BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

Explore the Sterile processing technician Career

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to East Palo Alto. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the San Mateo County and California figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.

Sterile Processing Tech Programs near East Palo Alto

#1

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 27.7 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 70.6% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 10
  • Annual completions: 372
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $91,483 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#2

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Antioch, CA 39.6 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 98.1% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 15
  • Annual completions: 1217
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $76,649 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Sterile Processing Tech Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $47,700 $22.93 per hour
Job Outlook 10.1% 7,700 jobs (2024–2034)
10,900 openings/yr
Data Year: 2025 SOC: 31-9093 Source: BLS OEWS

Training & Certification Steps in California

  1. Complete an accredited or state-approved Sterile Processing Technician program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).
  2. Build hands-on experience through labs, clinicals, or supervised practice as required in your state.
  3. Prepare for any required certification or licensing exams and keep up with continuing education.

Tips for Choosing a Program

  • Confirm the curriculum aligns with employer expectations and any national certification you plan to pursue.
  • Compare schedules. many schools near East Palo Alto offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options.
  • Ask about clinical, lab, or externship placements and how they are arranged.
  • Review program outcomes, career support services, and available tuition assistance. Individual outcomes may vary.

Sterile-Processing-Tech Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $47,700 $22.93/hr
Average Salary $50,510 $24.28/hr

Salary Range

$36,410 10th pctl
$47,700 Median
$69,950 90th pctl
10th Percentile $36,410 $17.50/hr
25th Percentile $39,800 $19.13/hr
75th Percentile $58,570 $28.16/hr
90th Percentile $69,950 $33.63/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed77,420
Growth (2024-2034)10.1%
Annual Openings10,900
Jobs per 1,0000.5

Medical Equipment Preparers (31-9093) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.