Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lafayette, IN: $45,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lafayette, IN earns a median $45,083/year (≈ $21.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,253 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Indiana, the 2026 median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $45,083, reflecting a slight deviation from the national median of $47,724. This is indicative of a robust local market characterized by a salary range spanning from $29,104 for entry-level positions to $61,392 for those with advanced skills or experience, such as in endoscope reprocessing (CER). These figures are derived from reliable estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projecting how much do sterile processing technicians make in Lafayette. The demand for certified professionals, particularly with specialized skills, has contributed to an attractive compensation landscape, particularly as healthcare facilities recognize the importance of compliance and quality control in sterile processing.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,104 | $14.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,568 | $17.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,083 | $21.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,564 | $22.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,392 | $29.52 |
Median Salary Position
5.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, IN, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,288 (2026 est.). At $45,083, the local median is 5.53% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $45,083/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.53% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lafayette, IN earn a median of $45,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% lower than the national median of $47,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 6.57% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, IN has a cost-of-living index of 93.43 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,083 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,253 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,953
2025 BLS Actual
$43,258
2026 Current Est.
$45,083
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,953 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,187 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,986 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,953 (2019) to $43,258 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,986 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,033 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $29,104 – $35,568 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,568 – $45,083 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,083 – $47,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,564 – $61,392 |
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 Lafayette
Analyzing the job market in Lafayette, approximately 60 sterile processing technicians are employed, demonstrating moderate job stability in this sector. The cost of living index is relatively low at 93.43, positioning technicians to enjoy a favorable purchasing power compared to many urban areas. Among local employers, hospitals typically pay higher wages than ambulatory surgery centers and dental specialty practices, largely due to the complexity of procedures and the required shift differentials for overnight tray turnover. Upskilling through certification, such as obtaining the CRCST, CIS, and CER credentials, can further differentiate technicians in the hiring process and lead to higher pay. Additionally, pursuing roles in trauma centers or supervisory positions can maximize earning potential in the local market, as these settings often offer premium salaries for specialized responsibilities and leadership roles.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lafayette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Lafayette?
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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 $43,258 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lafayette 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, 3-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