Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chicago, IL: $48,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chicago, IL earns a median $48,655/year (≈ $23.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $46,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected annual income for a sterile processing technician salary in Chicago is $48,655, edging slightly above the national median of $47,724. The salary range here varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $39,481 and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $71,276. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, indicates how specialization in areas like endoscope reprocessing can enhance overall earnings. As hospitals and surgical centers increasingly prioritize certified and registered professionals under HSPA guidelines, the value and demand for skilled sterile processing technicians remain high in Chicago's bustling healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,481 | $18.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,874 | $22.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,655 | $23.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,399 | $27.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,276 | $34.27 |
Median Salary Position
1.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,795 (2026 est.). At $48,655, the local median is 1.95% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicago Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chicago median: $48,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,058 | +13.00% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +1.95% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chicago, IL earn a median of $48,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 13.00% above the Illinois state average of $43,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,655 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,967 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,720
2025 BLS Actual
$46,685
2026 Current Est.
$48,655
2019–2027 Growth
+27.7%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,708 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 17.5% from $39,720 (2019) to $46,685 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,708 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,988 (27.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $39,481 – $46,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,874 – $48,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,655 – $57,399 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,399 – $71,276 |
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 Chicago
With approximately 2,140 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, job opportunities are promising. However, living costs in Chicago, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 103.595, can impact overall purchasing power. Hospitals generally offer more competitive pay compared to ambulatory surgical centers and specialty practices, especially for those with advanced certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Factors contributing to the salary range include shift differentials for evening or overnight roles, specialty credential stacking, and supervisory positions that command higher wages. To maximize earnings in the Chicago market, technicians should consider seeking additional certifications, networking with professionals in trauma centers, or pursuing lead roles, as these strategies can significantly boost their earning potential in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 $46,685 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chicago 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