Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Tempe, AZ: $45,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Tempe, AZ earns a median $45,319/year (≈ $21.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $46,009 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to reach $45,319 in 2026. This figure reflects the local market conditions, where the salary range extends from $35,447 at the 10th percentile to $65,558 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data, adjusted for the region's cost of living. Evening and overnight shifts often command higher pay due to the critical nature of surgical tray turnover at these times. As a result, job seekers in Tempe should be aware that competitive compensation can vary significantly based on the type of institution and shift patterns, hinting at a promising job market for trained professionals.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,447 | $17.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,265 | $18.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,319 | $21.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,077 | $26.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,558 | $31.52 |
Median Salary Position
5.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,111 (2026 est.). At $45,319, the local median is 5.04% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tempe Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Tempe median: $45,319/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,138 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.04% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $45,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.04% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $45,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,319 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,009 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,131
2025 BLS Actual
$43,484
2026 Current Est.
$45,319
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,278 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,523 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,131 (2019) to $43,484 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,100 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $35,447 – $38,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,265 – $45,319 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,319 – $55,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,077 – $65,558 |
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 Tempe
With 43 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Tempe, the local job market is fairly stable, although the cost of living index sits at 98.5, indicating that expenses are slightly lower than the national average. This dynamic can enhance purchasing power for those working in the area, as their incomes can stretch further. Major employers, such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, often offer the most lucrative opportunities. Factors such as shift differentials, credential stacking (like CRCST, CIS, and CER), supervisory roles, and the distinction between hospital and surgery center settings contribute to the variation in pay. To maximize their earning potential in the Tempe area, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seek positions in higher-paying specialties, as the demand for skilled professionals in the field continues to grow.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Tempe, AZ in 2026?
Is Tempe, AZ a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Tempe?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Tempe?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Tempe?
Related Pages
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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 $43,484 for sterile processing techniciansin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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