Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lombard, IL: $41,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lombard, IL earns a median $41,730/year (≈ $20.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $42,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Lombard, Illinois, stands at $41,730, reflecting a competitive yet modest compensation compared to the national median of $47,724. The local salary range varies significantly from $31,200 at the lower end to $60,353 at the top, illustrating the disparities that can exist within the profession. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities highlight how recent shifts in hiring practices post-2021 have reinforced the demand for certified professionals in the field. With the increase in credentialing requirements, especially through the HSPA, job seekers must now be equipped with necessary credentials like CRCST, CIS, or CER to thrive in Lombard’s evolving sterile processing environment.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,368 | $17.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,730 | $20.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,251 | $24.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,353 | $29.01 |
Median Salary Position
12.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,153 (2026 est.). At $41,730, the local median is 12.56% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lombard median: $41,730/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,065 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -12.56% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lombard, IL earn a median of $41,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.56% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $43,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $41,730 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,976 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,428
2025 BLS Actual
$40,040
2026 Current Est.
$41,730
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,428 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,569 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,491 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,428 (2019) to $40,040 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,491 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,063 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $31,200 – $36,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,368 – $41,730 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,730 – $51,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,251 – $60,353 |
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 Lombard
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Lombard remains relatively small, with only eight individuals currently employed in the sector. However, with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, technicians may find their purchasing power impacted, making it crucial to maximize earning potential. Employers, particularly within hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, tend to offer higher pay rates compared to ambulatory surgery centers. Factors contributing to compensation variation include shift differentials for evening or overnight work, the presence of additional certifications, supervisory roles, and the type of facility, such as trauma centers versus standard hospitals. For those looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing further credential stacking and seeking positions in higher-paying facilities can be advantageous strategies in the Lombard market.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $40,040 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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