Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Oak Park, IL: $42,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Oak Park, IL earns a median $42,754/year (≈ $20.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $44,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, Illinois, the projected salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 stands at $42,754, which is approximately 10.41% lower than the national median of $47,724. This competitive local salary reflects a range from $31,270 at the 10th percentile to $61,360 at the 90th percentile. The data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates and adjusted for local cost of living, indicates that there is potential for growth within this field, particularly for those who specialize in endoscope reprocessing (CER). This subspecialty is increasingly valued due to its association with reducing infection risks, offering technicians a premium in pay as hospitals prioritize qualified professionals to meet emerging state registration laws and credential requirements that have changed since 2021.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,270 | $15.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,894 | $17.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,754 | $20.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,883 | $24.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,360 | $29.50 |
Median Salary Position
10.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,090 (2026 est.). At $42,754, the local median is 10.41% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Park Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $42,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,056 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.41% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $42,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.41% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $43,056.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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.
Oak Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,199
2025 BLS Actual
$41,023
2026 Current Est.
$42,754
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,369 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,023 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,199 (2019) to $41,023 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,359 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $31,270 – $36,894 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,894 – $42,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,754 – $51,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,883 – $61,360 |
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 Oak Park
With only 10 sterile processing technicians currently employed in Oak Park, job availability in the area remains limited, yet it provides unique opportunities. The cost of living index for Oak Park is 97.1, which suggests that salaries may not be keeping pace with living expenses. Various employers affect pay scales differently, with hospital sterile processing departments typically offering the most competitive packages compared to ambulatory surgery and specialty centers, particularly for roles requiring advanced certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, high-demand specialty skills, and experience levels. Those aiming to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Oak Park should actively pursue additional certifications, seek positions in trauma center settings, and consider the potential benefits of working night shifts or supervisory roles within the field.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 $41,023 for sterile processing techniciansin the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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