SterileTechExam

Sterile Processing Technician Salary

How much do sterile processing technicians make? National data, state-by-state breakdowns, and what drives pay differences.

National Overview

$44,000

Median Annual

$21.15

Median Hourly

$31,000

10th Percentile

$62,000

90th Percentile

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES program), the median annual wage for medical equipment preparers — the classification that includes sterile processing technicians — is approximately $44,000 nationally. The top 10% earn over $62,000, typically in high-cost states or with specialized certifications.

What Affects SPD Technician Pay

Location

California, Washington, and Massachusetts pay 20-30% above the national median. But cost of living matters — adjusted for expenses, states like Texas and Georgia often offer better purchasing power.

Certification

Certified technicians (CRCST or CSPDT) typically earn $2-5/hour more than non-certified peers. Advanced certifications like CIS or CHL add another $1-3/hour.

Experience

Entry-level technicians start near the 25th percentile. After 3-5 years, most reach the median. Lead and supervisor roles can push into the 75th-90th percentile range.

Employer type

Large academic medical centers and trauma hospitals generally pay more than outpatient surgery centers or small community hospitals. Travel positions pay 30-50% premiums.

Shift differential

Evening, night, and weekend shifts typically add $1-4/hour differential pay on top of base wage.

Highest Paying States

StateMedian AnnualHourlyvs National
California$52,840$25.40+20%Washington$51,280$24.65+17%Massachusetts$50,420$24.24+15%Connecticut$49,870$23.98+13%New York$49,280$23.69+12%Alaska$48,930$23.52+11%New Jersey$48,640$23.38+11%Hawaii$47,620$22.89+8%Rhode Island$46,840$22.52+6%Oregon$46,480$22.35+6%

Salary by State

Click any state for detailed pay data including metro breakdowns, percentile ranges, and cost-of-living adjusted figures.

Alabama$38,420Alaska$48,930Arizona$42,150Arkansas$36,980California$52,840Colorado$46,210Connecticut$49,870Delaware$44,680Florida$40,230Georgia$41,370Hawaii$47,620Idaho$39,480Illinois$43,980Indiana$40,120Iowa$39,870Kansas$39,240Kentucky$38,940Louisiana$37,840Maine$42,380Maryland$45,890Massachusetts$50,420Michigan$41,680Minnesota$44,320Mississippi$36,240Missouri$40,480Montana$39,120Nebraska$40,240Nevada$44,120New Hampshire$45,240New Jersey$48,640New Mexico$39,680New York$49,280North Carolina$40,680North Dakota$41,280Ohio$41,120Oklahoma$37,640Oregon$46,480Pennsylvania$42,680Rhode Island$46,840South Carolina$39,240South Dakota$38,680Tennessee$40,840Texas$41,680Utah$41,240Vermont$43,120Virginia$43,480Washington$51,280West Virginia$37,280Wisconsin$42,480Wyoming$40,680

How to Increase Your Pay

1

Get certified

The CRCST certification is the single biggest pay lever — adds $4,000-10,000/year. Learn more about CRCST certification

2

Stack advanced credentials

CIS (Instrument Specialist), CER (Endoscope Reprocessor), or CHL (Healthcare Leader) each add earning potential.

3

Consider travel positions

Travel SPD techs earn $30-45/hour with housing stipends. Learn more about travel tech roles

4

Target higher-paying employers

Academic medical centers, large health systems, and Level I trauma centers consistently pay above market.

Ready to boost your earning potential?

CRCST certification is the fastest way to increase your pay. Start practicing free.

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