Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Baltimore, MD: $48,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Baltimore, MD earns a median $48,535/year (≈ $23.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $46,451 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Baltimore, MD can expect a median annual salary of $48,535, which slightly exceeds the national median of $47,724. Salaries in this field typically range from $33,307 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $61,151 for those at the upper end (90th percentile). This projection, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflects the growing demand for specialized roles, particularly in endoscope reprocessing (CER). With a strong emphasis on reprocessing standards, technicians holding multiple credentials, such as the CRCST and CER, can command higher salaries as healthcare facilities increasingly prioritize compliance and expertise. This evolving market landscape highlights the importance of certifications and specialty training in enhancing earning potential in Baltimore's job sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,307 | $16.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,851 | $19.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,535 | $23.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,069 | $27.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,151 | $29.39 |
Median Salary Position
1.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,844 (2026 est.). At $48,535, the local median is 1.7% above the national median of $47,724.
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At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be above the median
How Baltimore Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $48,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $50,088 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +1.70% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $48,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 3.10% below the Maryland state average of $50,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,535 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,451 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,010
2025 BLS Actual
$46,570
2026 Current Est.
$48,535
2019–2027 Growth
+23.3%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,583 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 13.6% from $41,010 (2019) to $46,570 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,583 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,573 (23.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $33,307 – $39,851 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,851 – $48,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,535 – $57,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,069 – $61,151 |
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 Baltimore
The local job market for sterile processing technicians is robust, with approximately 680 professionals employed across various healthcare settings in Baltimore. However, the cost of living index, standing at 104.487, indicates that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may be somewhat constrained compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation include hospital sterile processing departments, specialty surgical centers, and third-party sterile processing service providers. Factors influencing the salary spread include shift differential pay for evening or overnight roles, additional certifications that enhance a technician's skill set, and pay structures varying significantly between hospital and ambulatory surgery center environments. Maximizing earnings in this market could involve pursuing higher-level certifications, obtaining specialized training in trauma centers, or seeking supervisory positions that typically offer greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Baltimore?
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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 $46,570 for sterile processing techniciansin the Baltimore 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