Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Des Moines, IA: $45,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Des Moines, IA earns a median $45,043/year (≈ $21.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $49,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.2% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to reach $45,043 in 2026, positioning it slightly below the national average of $47,724. The salary range for this role reflects moderate variability, with entry-level positions starting at $37,900 and experienced technicians earning up to $58,369. This evolving financial landscape can be attributed to the shift toward credential-required hiring initiated post-2021, which has established a new standard for employment in sterile processing. As more healthcare facilities in Des Moines align their staffing practices with certification requirements, the demand for qualified professionals continues to rise, reflecting the critical importance of expertly maintained surgical instruments and supplies in patient care.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,130 | $18.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,043 | $21.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,685 | $23.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,369 | $28.07 |
Median Salary Position
5.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,469 (2026 est.). At $45,043, the local median is 5.62% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $45,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $40,506 | +11.20% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.62% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $45,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 11.20% above the Iowa state average of $40,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,043 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,119 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,990
2025 BLS Actual
$43,219
2026 Current Est.
$45,043
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Des Moines (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 | $38,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,219 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,944 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 39.5% from $30,990 (2019) to $43,219 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,944 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,954 (51.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $37,900 – $38,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,130 – $45,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,043 – $48,685 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,685 – $58,369 |
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 Des Moines
Currently, there are about 110 sterile processing technicians employed in the Des Moines area, underscoring a stable job market. With a cost of living index of 91.701, the local economy offers competitive purchasing power for those in this profession. In terms of pay, hospitals typically provide the highest salaries within sterile processing departments, though ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers also contribute significantly to compensation packages. Factors influencing salary disparities include shift differentials for evening and night shifts, additional credentials such as the CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as roles with supervisory responsibilities. To maximize earning potential in Des Moines, technicians should consider pursuing specialty training and be flexible with shift preferences, enhancing their value to employers who prioritize responsive sterile processing operations.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
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 $43,219 for sterile processing techniciansin the Des Moines 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