Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $47,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $47,344/year (≈ $22.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $45,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the average earnings for a sterile processing technician in Phoenix, Arizona, reach $47,344 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $47,724. Local salaries fall within a varied range, with entry-level positions starting at $35,298 while those at the top of the scale can earn up to $61,271. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect not only the responsibilities of the role but also the impact of evening and overnight shifts on compensation. Technicians engaged in surgical tray turnover during off-peak hours often receive higher pay rates, revealing a unique aspect of the job market for sterile processing positions in Phoenix.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,298 | $16.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,979 | $17.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,344 | $22.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,567 | $25.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,271 | $29.45 |
Median Salary Position
0.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,973 (2026 est.). At $47,344, the local median is 0.8% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $47,344/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,133 | +4.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.80% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $47,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.80% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.90% above the Arizona state average of $45,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,344 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,824 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,880
2025 BLS Actual
$45,427
2026 Current Est.
$47,344
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 19.9% from $37,880 (2019) to $45,427 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,462 (30.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $35,298 – $36,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,979 – $47,344 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,344 – $53,567 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,567 – $61,271 |
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 Phoenix
As of 2025, there are approximately 1,800 sterile processing technicians actively employed in Phoenix, highlighting a robust job market for these professionals. Despite the local cost of living index sitting at 103.316, indicating it’s slightly above the national average, the pay dynamic still allows for reasonably good purchasing power. Among competing employers, hospital sterile processing departments, especially those affiliated with trauma centers, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Similarly, credential stacking—acquiring certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER—can present opportunities for enhanced earnings. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often stems from shift differentials, and higher compensation structures for those in supervisory roles or specialized settings. To maximize pay potential in this Phoenix market, technicians should consider gaining additional certifications and seeking positions that require more advanced training, as these factors can significantly bolster earning capacity.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
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 $45,427 for sterile processing techniciansin the Phoenix 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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