Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Champaign, IL: $37,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Champaign, IL earns a median $37,179/year (≈ $17.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $40,105 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.7% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Champaign, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians stands at $37,179 for 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $47,724. The local pay range spans from $36,629 at the 10th percentile to $57,730 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying demand and experience levels within this essential healthcare role. Data collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the Champaign market has adapted to the post-2021 landscape, which emphasizes credential-required hiring practices, fostering a competitive hiring environment. As more hospitals and healthcare facilities enforce these standards, job seekers will need to highlight their certifications, such as CRCST and additional specialties, to position themselves favorably in the job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,629 | $17.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,629 | $17.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,179 | $17.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,613 | $21.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,730 | $27.75 |
Median Salary Position
22.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,101 (2026 est.). At $37,179, the local median is 22.1% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Champaign Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Champaign median: $37,179/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,082 | -13.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -22.10% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Champaign, IL earn a median of $37,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.10% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 13.70% below the Illinois state average of $43,082.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign has a cost of living 7.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.704 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $37,179 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,105 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,310
2025 BLS Actual
$35,674
2026 Current Est.
$37,179
2019–2027 Growth
+-8.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew -15.7% from $42,310 (2019) to $35,674 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $-3,562 (-8.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $36,629 – $36,629 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,629 – $37,179 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,179 – $45,613 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,613 – $57,730 |
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 Champaign
The job availability for sterile processing technicians in Champaign is buoyed by the region's healthcare growth, especially within large hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and dental specialty practices. With a cost-of-living index at 92.704, residents enjoy favorable purchasing power, making the sterile processing technician pay in Champaign relatively attractive despite the lower salary range compared to national figures. Employers offering the highest salaries typically include local hospital sterile processing departments, which often provide additional compensation for evening or overnight shifts. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including specialty credentials that enhance marketability, supervisory roles, and the differing needs of trauma centers versus surgical centers. Those seeking to maximize their earnings in Champaign should consider stacking multiple credentials like CRCST + CIS + CER, gaining experience in high-demand settings, and being flexible with their shift preferences to take advantage of differential pay opportunities.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Champaign?
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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 $35,674 for sterile processing techniciansin the Champaign 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