Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Montana: $45,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $45,391/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $47,184 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Missoula ($44,237), Billings ($44,102), Bozeman ($42,883).
In Montana, the 2026 average median salary for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $45,391, which is about 4.9% lower than the national median of $47,724. The highest paying city, Missoula, offers an average salary of $46,104, while Kalispell presents the lowest at $42,085, showcasing a salary gap of $4,019. This difference is influenced by factors such as local healthcare facility budgets, demand for specialized services, and variations in workload across urban and rural communities. Montana has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can impact salaries. The state mandates that sterile processing technicians complete certain education and training programs, which can affect job competitiveness. Additionally, Montana's healthcare sector is experiencing growth, contributing to a projected annual compound growth rate of 4.22% in this field, reflecting increasing demand for skilled professionals in medical facilities. With a total employment of 230 sterile processing technicians projected for 2026, the job market shows promise. Cities like Billings ($45,963), Bozeman ($44,693), Great Falls ($43,957), and Butte ($42,832) are also key locations for employment opportunities, each offering comparatively good salaries within the state. Overall, job prospects for sterile processing technicians in Montana appear to be stable and growing.
Montana Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $32,233 (lowest entry-level) to $66,286 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana sterile processing technicians earn 4.89% less than the national median ($-2,333/year difference).
Montana Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Montana range from $36,360 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $57,718 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $45,391. The Montana median is $2,333 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $21.82/hr. Approximately 230 sterile processing technicians are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,543
2025 BLS Actual
$43,553
2026 Current Est.
$45,391
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 38.1% from $31,543 (2019) to $43,553 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,764 (49.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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 Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kalispell | $42,085 |
| Helena | $42,207 |
| Butte | $42,832 |
| Great Falls | $43,957 |
| Bozeman | $44,693 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $45,963 | 93.526 | $49,145 |
| Missoula | $46,104 | 96.445 | $47,803 |
| Great Falls | $43,957 | 96.2 | $45,693 |
| Butte | $42,832 | 96.2 | $44,524 |
| Helena | $42,207 | 96.2 | $43,874 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,360 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $45,391 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $57,718 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Montana cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Montana?
How does Montana sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Montana?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Montana?
Which Montana 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 Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 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