Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Joliet, IL: $42,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Joliet, IL earns a median $42,790/year (≈ $20.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,068 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the estimated median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Joliet, Illinois, is projected at $42,790. This local figure places the salary slightly below the national median of $47,724, illustrating the regional economic dynamics at play. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $32,761 and top-tier roles potentially reaching $63,749. Notably, certifications in endoscope reprocessing (CER) can provide an upward push in compensation, as healthcare facilities increasingly prioritize specialized skills to mitigate risks associated with infection. With these projections, Joliet's market for sterile processing technicians appears robust, reflecting a growing demand for credentialed professionals within the industry.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,761 | $15.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,593 | $17.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,790 | $20.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,102 | $25.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,749 | $30.65 |
Median Salary Position
10.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,988 (2026 est.). At $42,790, the local median is 10.34% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Joliet median: $42,790/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,048 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.34% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Joliet, IL earn a median of $42,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $43,048.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,790 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,068 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,226
2025 BLS Actual
$41,057
2026 Current Est.
$42,790
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,226 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,396 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,897 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,595 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,226 (2019) to $41,057 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,595 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,369 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $32,761 – $35,593 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,593 – $42,790 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,790 – $53,102 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,102 – $63,749 |
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 Joliet
In understanding the job market for sterile processing technicians in Joliet, it is essential to consider both employment levels and the local cost of living, which stands at a CoL index of 97.1. This relatively affordable cost of living allows for more purchasing power compared to regions with higher expenses, making the salary more attractive to prospective technicians. Currently, there are 25 professionals working in local roles, primarily housed within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices—the latter often providing higher pay due to the complex nature of procedures. Factors influencing the broad salary spread include shift differentials for evening or overnight schedules, advanced certification stacks (including CRCST, CIS, and CER), and the type of healthcare setting. For those in Joliet, pursuing continual education and acquiring sought-after credentials can lead to maximized earnings and significantly enhance career prospects in this evolving field.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $41,057 for sterile processing techniciansin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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