Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Ocala, FL: $44,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Ocala, FL earns a median $44,142/year (≈ $21.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Ocala's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.2), that paycheck buys what $46,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ocala, Florida, the emerging role of sterile processing technicians has been shaped significantly by the introduction of credential-required hiring practices since 2021. The projected median salary for technicians in this region in 2026 stands at $44,142, which is about 7.51% lower than the national median of $47,724. The salary range for these positions varies notably, with entry-level technicians earning around $36,849 and experienced personnel reaching up to $59,641. This data is derived from BLS 2025 OEWS surveys, highlighting the evolving expectations for qualifications and skills in the field, which aligns with the growing emphasis on professional certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. As the job market continues to adjust to these standards, understanding the salary landscape becomes increasingly important.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,849 | $17.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,142 | $21.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,425 | $23.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,641 | $28.67 |
Median Salary Position
7.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ocala
In Ocala, FL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,792 (2026 est.). At $44,142, the local median is 7.51% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ocala: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ocala Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Ocala median: $44,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ocala Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $43,705 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -7.51% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Ocala, FL earn a median of $44,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% above the Florida state average of $43,705.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ocala has a cost of living 4.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ocala, FL has a cost-of-living index of 95.234 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,142 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,351 in an average-cost city — an effective 5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,245
2025 BLS Actual
$42,355
2026 Current Est.
$44,142
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,245 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,005 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ocala metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,245 (2019) to $42,355 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,005 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,760 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala 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) | $36,849 – $38,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,540 – $44,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,142 – $49,425 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,425 – $59,641 |
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 Ocala
Occupying a niche role in the Ocala job market, there are currently 60 sterile processing technicians employed locally. The cost of living index in Ocala is 95.234, suggesting that living expenses are relatively stable, allowing for a decent purchasing power for employees in this field. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental specialty practices are among the highest-paying employers, often offering enhanced wages for roles requiring additional certifications or specific evening shift differentials. The variance in pay is influenced by several factors, including the level of credential stacking employees possess, with technicians who hold multiple certifications potentially commanding higher wages. To maximize earnings, technicians should consider obtaining advanced certifications and actively seek opportunities in higher-paying settings, such as trauma centers or specialty surgical centers, which often have more complex procedural needs that require skilled sterile processing personnel.
More salary data for Ocala, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Ocala, FL in 2026?
Is Ocala, FL a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Ocala?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Ocala?
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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 $42,355 for sterile processing techniciansin the Ocala 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, 4-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