Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Mason City, IA: $38,363 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Mason City, IA earns a median $38,363/year (≈ $18.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $42,437 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the sterile processing technician salary in Mason City is projected to reach a median of $38,363, reflecting the significant shift in hiring practices that began post-2021 when credential requirements gained momentum across hospital systems. The salary range spans from $30,399 at the 10th percentile to $53,782 at the 90th percentile, providing insight into the potential earnings within this occupation. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differentials, positioning Mason City’s salaries below the national average, which stands at $47,724. This discrepancy invites professionals in the field to consider how credential stacking, such as obtaining the CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications, alongside evolving state registration laws, can enhance their marketability and earnings potential within the local job market.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,399 | $14.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,364 | $15.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,363 | $18.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,080 | $22.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,782 | $25.86 |
Median Salary Position
19.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,383 (2026 est.). At $38,363, the local median is 19.61% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mason City Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Mason City median: $38,363/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $40,510 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -19.61% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Mason City, IA earn a median of $38,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.61% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $40,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $38,363 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,437 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,892
2025 BLS Actual
$36,810
2026 Current Est.
$38,363
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,363 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,982 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $28,892 (2019) to $36,810 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,982 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,090 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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) | $30,399 – $32,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,364 – $38,363 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,363 – $46,080 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,080 – $53,782 |
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 Mason City
Currently, there are only four sterile processing technicians employed in Mason City, which points to a niche job market with limited competition. The city's cost of living index is relatively low at 90.4, enhancing the purchasing power for those earning local salaries. With respect to compensation, hospital sterile processing departments tend to offer the highest pay, closely followed by specialty surgical centers and dental practices. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight work, additional certifications, and the varying demands of different work environments. To maximize pay in Mason City, technicians are advised to focus on acquiring a broader set of credentials and adapting to the needs of employers, ensuring they keep pace with the evolving landscape of sterile processing.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $36,810 for sterile processing techniciansin the Mason City 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 Mason City 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