Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Cicero, IL: $41,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Cicero, IL earns a median $41,686/year (≈ $20.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $42,931 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Cicero, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $41,686 in 2026, which reflects the unique dynamics of the local market. The salary range for this position indicates a wide disparity, with entry-level roles beginning at approximately $32,153 and more experienced technicians earning up to $60,387. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional price parity, demonstrates how variable employment compensation can be based on factors such as shift differentials, particularly for evening or overnight surgical tray turnover. Given these figures and the local job market environment, potential candidates might find Cicero an attractive option for their sterile processing career, particularly if they consider the potential for growth in this critical healthcare role.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,153 | $15.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,720 | $16.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,686 | $20.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,923 | $24.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,387 | $29.04 |
Median Salary Position
12.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,234 (2026 est.). At $41,686, the local median is 12.65% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Cicero median: $41,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,064 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -12.65% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Cicero, IL earn a median of $41,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $43,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $41,686 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,931 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,395
2025 BLS Actual
$39,998
2026 Current Est.
$41,686
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,445 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,395 (2019) to $39,998 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,445 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,050 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $32,153 – $34,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,720 – $41,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,686 – $50,923 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,923 – $60,387 |
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 Cicero
With 21 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Cicero, the job market presents a stable environment for those entering the field. The cost-of-living index in this region stands at 97.1, which indicates that despite lower salaries compared to national benchmarks, technicians can maintain reasonable purchasing power. Local employers, including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, often offer competitive pay, especially for roles that require advanced credentialing such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Factors influencing the salary range include shift differentials for nighttime work and the level of specialization or supervisory experience. To maximize earning potential within the Cicero market, technicians should consider pursuing incremental certifications and look for opportunities in facilities with trauma center designations, thereby positioning themselves favorably in a competitive landscape while also adapting to evolving state registration laws.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Cicero, IL in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Cicero?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Cicero?
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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 $39,998 for sterile processing techniciansin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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