Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Glendale, AZ: $47,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Glendale, AZ earns a median $47,391/year (≈ $22.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $48,113 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, Arizona, the projected salary for a sterile processing technician stands at $47,391 in 2026, highlighting a competitive compensation rate that is slightly below the national median of $47,724. With salaries ranging from $34,039 at the 10th percentile to $71,272 at the 90th percentile, this occupation has seen an increase in market value, particularly following the industry's transition to requiring credentials post-2021. These estimates derived from BLS state-level data showcase how local employers have adjusted to meet the educational and certification standards set forth by organizations like HSPA and now recognize the importance of credential stacking such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. As demand for sterile processing technicians continues to grow, candidates in this field can expect a job market that rewards skill and expertise.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,039 | $16.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,067 | $18.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,391 | $22.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,847 | $28.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,272 | $34.27 |
Median Salary Position
0.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, AZ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,233 (2026 est.). At $47,391, the local median is 0.7% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Glendale median: $47,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,134 | +5.00% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.70% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Glendale, AZ earn a median of $47,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.70% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $45,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $47,391 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,113 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,691
2025 BLS Actual
$45,472
2026 Current Est.
$47,391
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,435 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,391 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,691 (2019) to $45,472 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,700 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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) | $34,039 – $38,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,067 – $47,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,391 – $58,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,847 – $71,272 |
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 Glendale
Currently, Glendale employs around 50 sterile processing technicians, and with a cost of living index rating of 98.5, the city's economic conditions are relatively favorable, allowing for decent purchasing power. Major employers, particularly hospitals and specialized surgical centers, often provide the most robust pay, with factors such as evening shift differentials and specialty certifications influencing wage variation. Those wishing to maximize their earnings can pursue advanced training and certifications relevant to the job, particularly in trauma centers or complex surgical environments. Additionally, opting for positions within ambulatory surgery centers typically yields higher pay, thanks to their structured operation and focus on efficiency. The local job market's steady growth rate of 4.22% suggests promising prospects for new and existing technicians looking to enhance their earning potential in Glendale.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Glendale?
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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 $45,472 for sterile processing techniciansin the Glendale 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 Glendale 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