Entry-Level Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Billings, MT: $35,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:New sterile processing technicians entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,949 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9093, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,437 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,963) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the sterile processing technician field in Billings, Montana can expect a starting salary of approximately $35,949. While this figure is lower than the city’s median salary of $45,963, it reflects a typical entry-level wage in the region. Early-career technicians can anticipate gradual growth as they gain experience and possibly earn more, with the 25th percentile earning around $39,290 after a few years in the role. Given the projected growth rate of 4.22% annually in the industry, Billings represents a promising market for aspiring sterile processing technicians, especially for those who are proactive about obtaining credentials early in their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Entry-level sterile processing technicians in Billings, MT typically start between $35,949 and $39,290 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,850 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,963 — 3.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sterile processing program cost in Montana of $2,200 represents just 6.12% of the starting sterile processing technician pay ($35,949/year) in Billings. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CBSPD and HSPA-aligned sterile processing program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, hospital-based, private vocational) and program length. Reported as SOC 31-9093 (Medical Equipment Preparers).
SPT, CRCST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level sterile processing technician pay ranges from $35,949 to $39,290, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sterile processing field — employers in MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Sterile Processing Technician Compensation Range
The sterile processing technician wage spread in Billings is $20,850 ( 58.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,949, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,799.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,133
2025 BLS Actual
$34,493
2026 Current Est.
$35,949
2019–2027 Growth
+49.1%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,466 | Projected |
Entry-level sterile processing technician compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 37.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,133 in 2019 to $34,493 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,466. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Starting Your sterile processing Career in Billings
The primary employers hiring entry-level sterile processing technicians in Billings include local hospitals and outpatient surgical centers, which often provide comprehensive training programs. Many hospital sterile processing departments (SPDs) offer employer-sponsored training for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification, an essential credential for starting salaries. For those seeking a balance in work-life, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) present opportunities that typically involve no-call schedules. Additional qualifications, such as obtaining further certifications in instrument processing (CIS) and endoscope reprocessing (CER), can significantly enhance earning potential and career advancement in this evolving field. As credentialing has become increasingly important since 2021, a focus on obtaining relevant certifications can help new grads improve their initial pay and secure positions in a competitive market. Given the economic climate and the lack of state registration for sterile processers in Montana, the growth trajectory for salaries can become significantly promising for those who lay a strong educational foundation in their first few years.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new sterile processing graduates. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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