Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Streamwood, IL: $41,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Streamwood, IL earns a median $41,165/year (≈ $19.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Streamwood's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $42,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Streamwood, Illinois, the annual compensation for a sterile processing technician stands at a projected $41,165 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median salary of $47,724, reflecting local economic adjustments and the unique demands of the area. Salary estimates indicate a range from $33,255 at the lower end to $59,811 at the high end, highlighting the potential for variability based on skills and experience. Notably, professionals in this field who have specialized in endoscope reprocessing (CER) may command higher salaries due to the critical nature of their work, especially given the increasing focus on infection control and reprocessing standards. The Streamwood job market is poised for gradual growth, driven by evolving healthcare requirements and a projected 4.22% annual growth rate in the field.
About the Streamwood Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,255 | $15.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,197 | $16.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,165 | $19.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,850 | $24.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,811 | $28.75 |
Median Salary Position
13.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Streamwood
In Streamwood, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,556 (2026 est.). At $41,165, the local median is 13.74% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Streamwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Streamwood Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Streamwood median: $41,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Streamwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,059 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -13.74% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Streamwood, IL earn a median of $41,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.40% below the Illinois state average of $43,059.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Streamwood 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.
Streamwood, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $41,165 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,394 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,002
2025 BLS Actual
$39,498
2026 Current Est.
$41,165
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Streamwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,002 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,128 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,494 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Streamwood metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,002 (2019) to $39,498 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,900 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Streamwood 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) | $33,255 – $35,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,197 – $41,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,165 – $50,850 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,850 – $59,811 |
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 Streamwood
As of now, only eight sterile processing technicians are employed in Streamwood, but they benefit from a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which is below the national average. This lower index can translate to a favorable purchasing power for salaries earned in the area. Employers such as local hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers are among the better-paying options in Streamwood IL. Factors influencing the spread in pay within this profession include shift differentials for evening and overnight hours, as well as the complexity of the role. Certifications, such as CRCST, CIS, and notably CER, can also enhance earning potential. To maximize earnings, technicians should consider obtaining additional certifications and remaining vigilant about the evolving industry standards, as well as seeking roles in settings that support higher pay structures like trauma centers or those offering substantial specialty training opportunities.
More salary data for Streamwood, 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 $39,498 for sterile processing techniciansin the Streamwood 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 Streamwood 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