Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Wheeling, IL: $42,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Wheeling, IL earns a median $42,040/year (≈ $20.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% 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 Wheeling, Illinois, is estimated to be $42,040, which is approximately 11.91% lower than the national median of $47,724. Sterile processing technicians in Wheeling can expect to earn between $34,106 at the 10th percentile and $61,304 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living. With endoscope reprocessing (CER) being a rapidly growing subspecialty, those who are certified in this area, along with basic credentials like CRCST, may find themselves at the higher end of this pay scale, reflecting the increasing demand for expertise in this critical aspect of patient care.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,106 | $16.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,085 | $17.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,035 | $25.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,304 | $29.47 |
Median Salary Position
11.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,198 (2026 est.). At $42,040, the local median is 11.91% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $42,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,074 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -11.91% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Wheeling, IL earn a median of $42,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $43,074.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling 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.
Wheeling, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,040 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,662
2025 BLS Actual
$40,338
2026 Current Est.
$42,040
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,321 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,338 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,814 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,662 (2019) to $40,338 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,814 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,152 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $34,106 – $36,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,085 – $42,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,040 – $52,035 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,035 – $61,304 |
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 Wheeling
Currently, there are six sterile processing technicians employed in Wheeling, and the local cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that the purchasing power of salaries is just below the national average. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers typically offer the most competitive pay in the region. The disparity in earnings often stems from varied factors, including shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, specialty certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, and roles with added responsibilities such as supervisory positions. To maximize earnings in Wheeling's job market, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as those offered by HSPA, and seek opportunities in trauma centers, which often can afford higher salaries due to the complexity of the cases they handle.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 $40,338 for sterile processing techniciansin the Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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