Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Iowa: $40,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Iowa's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $40,837/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Iowa sits at BEA RPP 90.4 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $45,174 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Des Moines ($43,219), West Des Moines ($42,661), Sioux City ($40,733).
In Iowa, the average median salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is projected to be $40,837, which is significantly lower than the national median of $47,724, representing a difference of 14.4%. The salary variation across the state is pronounced, with Des Moines offering the highest average at $45,043, while Fort Dodge has the lowest at $37,195, resulting in a difference of $7,848. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban areas, local demand for skilled technicians, and the cost of living. Iowa does not have stringent state licensing requirements for sterile processing technicians, which allows for easier entry into the field. However, certification from recognized organizations can enhance job prospects and earning potential. The job market for sterile processing technicians in Iowa reflects a steady demand, driven by hospitals and surgical centers requiring these professionals for maintaining sterile instruments. The employment outlook projects a growth rate of 4.22% annually, indicating a positive trend for job seekers in this field. Top cities for employment include Des Moines, West Des Moines at $44,461, Sioux City at $42,452, Cedar Rapids at $41,091, and Dubuque at $41,003, all highlighting the geographic variations in pay.
Iowa Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Iowa: $29,646 (lowest entry-level) to $65,126 (highest top earner)
Iowa vs National Average
Iowa sterile processing technicians earn 14.43% less than the national median ($-6,887/year difference).
Iowa Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Iowa range from $35,943 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $54,262 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $40,837. The Iowa median is $6,887 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $19.63/hr. Approximately 590 sterile processing technicians are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,990
2025 BLS Actual
$39,183
2026 Current Est.
$40,837
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Iowa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,951 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,778 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Iowa metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 26.4% from $30,990 (2019) to $39,183 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,570 (37.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Iowa
Lowest Paying Cities in Iowa
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | $37,195 |
| Johnston | $37,610 |
| Ottumwa | $37,701 |
| Muscatine | $37,844 |
| Clinton | $38,024 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Iowa
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Iowa cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Des Moines | $44,461 | 90.4 | $49,183 |
| Des Moines | $45,043 | 91.701 | $49,119 |
| Sioux City | $42,452 | 86.454 | $49,104 |
| Cedar Rapids | $41,091 | 88.963 | $46,189 |
| Waterloo | $39,550 | 87.057 | $45,430 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,943 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $40,837 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $54,262 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Iowa metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in Iowa
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | $45,043 |
| 2 | West Des Moines | $44,461 |
| 3 | Sioux City | $42,452 |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids | $41,091 |
| 5 | Dubuque | $41,003 |
| 6 | Cedar Falls | $40,394 |
| 7 | Ames | $40,323 |
| 8 | Davenport | $39,951 |
| 9 | Marion | $39,844 |
| 10 | Waterloo | $39,550 |
| 11 | Ankeny | $39,380 |
| 12 | Iowa City | $39,190 |
| 13 | Council Bluffs | $39,131 |
| 14 | Burlington | $38,907 |
| 15 | Waukee | $38,768 |
| 16 | Urbandale | $38,716 |
| 17 | Bettendorf | $38,713 |
| 18 | Marshalltown | $38,593 |
| 19 | Coralville | $38,542 |
| 20 | Mason City | $38,363 |
| 21 | North Liberty | $38,213 |
| 22 | Clinton | $38,024 |
| 23 | Muscatine | $37,844 |
| 24 | Ottumwa | $37,701 |
| 25 | Johnston | $37,610 |
| 26 | Fort Dodge | $37,195 |
More Iowa Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Iowa cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new sterile processing technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Iowa in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Iowa?
How does Iowa sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Iowa?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Iowa?
Which Iowa city offers the best value for sterile processing technicians?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 sterile processing technician compensation across Iowa. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more sterile processing technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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