Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Missouri: $45,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Missouri's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $45,027/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Missouri sits at BEA RPP 89.6 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $50,253 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Columbia ($44,486), Independence ($44,465), Kansas City ($44,342).
In Missouri, the average median salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $45,026 in 2026, which is approximately 5.7% lower than the national average of $47,724. The salary range among various cities is significant, with Columbia offering the highest average at $46,363 and Cape Girardeau presenting the lowest at $36,989, resulting in a gap of $9,374. This disparity can be attributed to differences in the local cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and hospital funding levels. Missouri has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws for sterile processing technicians, which contribute to the overall job market dynamics. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow, evidenced by the projected annual growth rate of 4.22%. With 2,398 technicians currently employed, the top five cities projected for growth in salaries include Columbia, Independence at $46,341, Kansas City at $46,213, St. Peters at $46,003, and St. Charles at $45,916. As such, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing opportunities in higher-paying areas within the state to maximize their earning potential.
Missouri Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Missouri: $32,236 (lowest entry-level) to $71,567 (highest top earner)
Missouri vs National Average
Missouri sterile processing technicians earn 5.65% less than the national median ($-2,697/year difference).
Missouri Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Missouri range from $35,400 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $59,377 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $45,027. The Missouri median is $2,697 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $21.65/hr. Approximately 2,398 sterile processing technicians are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,244
2025 BLS Actual
$43,203
2026 Current Est.
$45,027
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Missouri (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,244 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,729 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,927 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missouri metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 30.0% from $33,244 (2019) to $43,203 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,927 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,683 (41.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missouri 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 Missouri
Lowest Paying Cities in Missouri
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau | $36,989 |
| Springfield | $38,150 |
| Hannibal | $41,901 |
| Raymore | $42,037 |
| Branson | $42,198 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Missouri
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Missouri cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin | $44,913 | 85.718 | $52,396 |
| Columbia | $46,363 | 89.438 | $51,838 |
| Independence | $46,341 | 89.6 | $51,720 |
| St. Peters | $46,003 | 89.6 | $51,343 |
| St. Charles | $45,916 | 89.6 | $51,246 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,400 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $45,027 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $59,377 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Missouri metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Missouri
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia | $46,363 |
| 2 | Independence | $46,341 |
| 3 | Kansas City | $46,213 |
| 4 | St. Peters | $46,003 |
| 5 | St. Charles | $45,916 |
| 6 | St. Louis | $45,904 |
| 7 | St. Joseph | $45,539 |
| 8 | O'Fallon | $45,385 |
| 9 | Florissant | $45,147 |
| 10 | Wildwood | $45,048 |
| 11 | Kirkwood | $45,035 |
| 12 | Lee's Summit | $45,009 |
| 13 | Chesterfield | $45,003 |
| 14 | Joplin | $44,913 |
| 15 | University City | $44,767 |
| 16 | Liberty | $44,749 |
| 17 | Grandview | $44,672 |
| 18 | Maryland Heights | $44,598 |
| 19 | Blue Springs | $44,093 |
| 20 | Raytown | $43,830 |
| 21 | Webster Groves | $43,611 |
| 22 | Sedalia | $43,597 |
| 23 | Ballwin | $43,519 |
| 24 | Nixa | $43,516 |
| 25 | Gladstone | $43,399 |
| 26 | Wentzville | $43,297 |
| 27 | Jefferson City | $43,259 |
| 28 | Belton | $42,931 |
| 29 | Branson | $42,198 |
| 30 | Raymore | $42,037 |
| 31 | Hannibal | $41,901 |
| 32 | Springfield | $38,150 |
| 33 | Cape Girardeau | $36,989 |
More Missouri Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Missouri cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new sterile processing technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Compare Cities in Missouri
View all comparisons →Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Missouri in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Missouri?
How does Missouri sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Missouri?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Missouri?
Which Missouri 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 Missouri. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 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