Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Meridian, ID: $43,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Meridian, ID earns a median $43,826/year (≈ $21.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $45,987 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Idaho, sterile processing technicians can expect a median annual salary of $43,826 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range varies quite significantly, from a lower 10th percentile earnings of $34,202 to an upper 90th percentile of $66,080. These figures represent estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the evolving job market for this profession. With the shift to credential-required hiring after 2021, many employers are actively seeking technicians who possess relevant certifications, shaping not only salary expectations but also workforce qualifications in the area.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,202 | $16.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,979 | $17.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,826 | $21.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,271 | $25.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,080 | $31.77 |
Median Salary Position
8.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,878 (2026 est.). At $43,826, the local median is 8.17% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Meridian median: $43,826/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $43,651 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.17% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Meridian, ID earn a median of $43,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $43,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,826 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,987 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,006
2025 BLS Actual
$42,051
2026 Current Est.
$43,826
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,051 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,675 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,006 (2019) to $42,051 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,675 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,669 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $34,202 – $36,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,979 – $43,826 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,826 – $53,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,271 – $66,080 |
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 Meridian
In Meridian, there are currently about 30 sterile processing technicians employed, making it a compact job market where individual performance and specializations can greatly affect salary outcomes. The cost of living index stands at 95.3, which is below the national average, allowing for a decent purchasing power relative to take-home earnings in this locale. Among local employers, hospitals typically offer the highest wages, followed closely by ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical facilities. Variations in pay often relate to factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight work, special credentialing (like the CRCST combined with CIS and CER), and roles within trauma centers versus standard surgical settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and seeking employment in high-demand sectors, like endoscope reprocessing, can be beneficial in enhancing sterile processing technician pay in Meridian, ID.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $42,051 for sterile processing techniciansin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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