Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Peoria, IL: $45,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Peoria, IL earns a median $45,634/year (≈ $21.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.2), that paycheck buys what $50,020 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the estimated annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Peoria, Illinois, is projected to be $45,634. The city’s pay range spans from $36,169 at the lower 10th percentile to $55,929 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the growing importance of specialized training in this field. Following the shift in credential requirements post-2021, many healthcare employers in Peoria have increasingly sought candidates with certifications from HSPA or comparable organizations. This demand for credentialed professionals aligns with trends across the nation, although Peoria’s median salary is slightly below the national average of $47,724. With the local job market specifically focused on elevating standards in sterile processing, technicians can expect promising opportunities as healthcare facilities adapt to these changes.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,169 | $17.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,073 | $21.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,634 | $21.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,204 | $22.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,929 | $26.89 |
Median Salary Position
4.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,760 (2026 est.). At $45,634, the local median is 4.38% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peoria Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Peoria median: $45,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,051 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -4.38% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Peoria, IL earn a median of $45,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.00% above the Illinois state average of $43,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria has a cost of living 8.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peoria, IL has a cost-of-living index of 91.231 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,634 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,020 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,520
2025 BLS Actual
$43,786
2026 Current Est.
$45,634
2019–2027 Growth
+61.1%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 48.3% from $29,520 (2019) to $43,786 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,040 (61.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $36,169 – $44,073 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,073 – $45,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,634 – $47,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,204 – $55,929 |
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 Peoria
The employment environment for sterile processing technicians in Peoria is quite promising, with approximately 130 professionals currently filling these roles. Additionally, with a cost-of-living index of 91.231, the local purchasing power allows employees to stretch their salaries further compared to national averages. Hospitals tend to offer the highest pay within the area, particularly those with advanced surgical departments or trauma center designations. The variation in pay is driven by factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, along with the completion of multiple certifications including CRCST, CIS, and CER. For aspirants looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing these credentials and gaining experience in higher-paying settings, like specialty surgical centers or managing lead roles, can yield significant compensation benefits.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 $43,786 for sterile processing techniciansin the Peoria 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