Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Farmington, NM: $36,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Farmington, NM earns a median $36,739/year (≈ $17.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Farmington's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.7), that paycheck buys what $41,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.1% below the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary landscape for sterile processing technicians in Farmington, New Mexico, is projected to see a median annual income of $36,739. This figure positions local pay levels significantly below the national median of $47,724, highlighting a distinct income gap of approximately 23.02%. The salary range for sterile processing technicians in this area varies considerably, with the lowest 10% earning around $29,715 and the upper 90% earning up to $42,982. Derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, these figures reflect a post-2021 trend toward credential-required hiring, stemming from new regulations in the industry. Professionals in this field must now consider not only experience but also credentials, making skills development essential to navigating job prospects in Farmington's healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,715 | $14.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,126 | $14.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,739 | $17.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,739 | $17.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42,982 | $20.67 |
Median Salary Position
23.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Farmington
In Farmington, NM, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,267 (2026 est.). At $36,739, the local median is 23.02% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Farmington: You'd be above the median
How Farmington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Farmington median: $36,739/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Farmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $43,273 | -15.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -23.02% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Farmington, NM earn a median of $36,739 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.02% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 15.10% below the New Mexico state average of $43,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Farmington has a cost of living 12.29% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Farmington, NM has a cost-of-living index of 87.707 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $36,739 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,888 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.02% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,669
2025 BLS Actual
$35,251
2026 Current Est.
$36,739
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Farmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,245 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,251 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Farmington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $27,669 (2019) to $35,251 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,620 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Farmington 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) | $29,715 – $31,126 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,126 – $36,739 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,739 – $36,739 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,739 – $42,982 |
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 Farmington
In examining the job market, Farmington employs around 40 sterile processing technicians, indicating a steady demand despite the lower salary rates. The area's cost-of-living index of 87.707 implies that residents enjoy a slightly less expensive lifestyle than the national average, though this can also impact effective take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by specialized surgical and dental practices. Variations in salary can be attributed to specific factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight work, the accumulation of specialized credentials like CRCST plus CIS and CER, and roles with supervisory responsibilities. To maximize earnings, technicians should actively pursue certifications that enhance their qualifications and consider positions in trauma center settings or facilities that provide opportunities for professional development—strategies essential for improving sterile processing technician pay in Farmington, NM.
More salary data for Farmington, NM:
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 $35,251 for sterile processing techniciansin the Farmington 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, 2-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