Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Liberal, KS: $38,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Liberal, KS earns a median $38,842/year (≈ $18.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $42,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Liberal, Kansas, is estimated at $38,842, significantly trailing the national median of $47,724 by nearly 19%. The salary range for this role varies, with entry-level positions (P10) starting at $32,659 and reaching up to $55,280 for experienced technicians at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect an evolving job market that has increasingly shifted to credential-required hiring since 2021. As the medical landscape continues to grow, Liberal's demand for skilled sterile processing technicians is expected to increase, especially as more facilities adapt to new training and qualification standards.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,659 | $15.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,063 | $16.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,842 | $18.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,222 | $21.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,280 | $26.58 |
Median Salary Position
18.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,621 (2026 est.). At $38,842, the local median is 18.61% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Liberal median: $38,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $41,631 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -18.61% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Liberal, KS earn a median of $38,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.61% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $41,631.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $38,842 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,253
2025 BLS Actual
$37,269
2026 Current Est.
$38,842
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,378 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,481 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $29,253 (2019) to $37,269 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,481 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,228 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $32,659 – $34,063 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,063 – $38,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,842 – $45,222 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,222 – $55,280 |
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 Liberal
The local job market for sterile processing technicians in Liberal is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating a lower-than-average expense compared to national standards, which positively affects take-home pay. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments are likely to offer higher wages, particularly for technicians with specialized credentials like CRCST, CIS, or CER, who handle complex procedures or supervise other staff. Factors driving the wide salary range include shift differentials for evening or overnight shifts, the type of medical facility, and the technician's level of certification. For those in Liberal looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications and seeking employment in higher-paying environments, such as trauma centers or large specialty practices, can significantly impact their compensation trajectory.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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 $37,269 for sterile processing techniciansin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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