Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Kailua, HI: $54,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Kailua, HI earns a median $54,182/year (≈ $26.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $45,417 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Kailua, HI, can anticipate a median annual salary of $54,182, reflecting a considerable 13.53% increase compared to the national median of $47,724. The salary range for this role is projected to span from $42,512 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $77,278 for the highest earners (90th percentile). These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price parity adjustments, providing a more tailored view of local compensation trends. Since the shift to credential-required hiring post-2021, Kailua's job market has adapted, emphasizing the importance of certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, ultimately impacting salary offerings for qualified technicians.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,512 | $20.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,440 | $21.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,182 | $26.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,008 | $31.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,278 | $37.15 |
Median Salary Position
13.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,766 (2026 est.). At $54,182, the local median is 13.53% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Kailua median: $54,182/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $54,674 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +13.53% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Kailua, HI earn a median of $54,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.53% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $54,674.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,182 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,417 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,806
2025 BLS Actual
$51,988
2026 Current Est.
$54,182
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,656 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,209 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,496 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,468 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $40,806 (2019) to $51,988 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,468 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,662 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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) | $42,512 – $45,440 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,440 – $54,182 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,182 – $66,008 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,008 – $77,278 |
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 Kailua
Within Kailua's local job market, only six sterile processing technicians are employed, highlighting a niche field with competitive pay dynamics. The cost of living index stands at 119.3, indicating that while salaries are robust for the area, purchasing power may be affected by higher living expenses. In this context, facilities such as hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers typically offer the most competitive pay. The disparity in wages can be attributed to factors such as specialty credential stacking, shift differentials for evening and overnight work, and varying roles within SPD settings, including supervisor positions. To maximize earning potential in Kailua, technicians should prioritize obtaining advanced certifications and actively seek roles that offer additional compensation for specialty skills or leadership responsibilities.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
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 $51,988 for sterile processing techniciansin the Kailua 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 Kailua 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