Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $42,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Chillicothe, OH earns a median $42,543/year (≈ $20.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Chillicothe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $46,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

As of 2026, specializing in sterile processing within Chillicothe, Ohio, offers a median annual salary of $42,543, reflecting a competitive landscape compared to the national median of $47,724. The salary range spans from $32,835 at the lower end (P10) to $59,843 at the high end (P90), demonstrating notable earning potential tied to experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs indicate that factors like shift differentials for evening or overnight surgical tray turnover can influence earnings significantly, as facilities often pay premium rates during these times. This competitive compensation structure reflects the city’s demand for skilled technicians who can handle critical responsibilities in sterile processing.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,835 | $15.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,807 | $18.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,543 | $20.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,843 | $28.78 |
Median Salary Position
10.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, OH, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,008 (2026 est.). At $42,543, the local median is 10.86% below the national median of $47,724.
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At 40 hours/week in Chillicothe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chillicothe Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Chillicothe median: $42,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chillicothe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $45,162 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.86% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $42,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.86% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $45,162.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chillicothe has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chillicothe, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,543 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,905 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,040
2025 BLS Actual
$40,820
2026 Current Est.
$42,543
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,204 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,497 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,749 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,338 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chillicothe metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,040 (2019) to $40,820 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,338 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,298 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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) | $32,835 – $37,807 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,807 – $42,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,543 – $51,570 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,570 – $59,843 |
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 Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, currently employing six sterile processing technicians, the local job market is relatively small yet focused. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, living expenses are lower than the national average, which positively influences take-home pay and purchasing power for those in the field. Employers that typically offer the highest wages include hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and large multi-doctor dental practices, which often require technicians to hold credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. The variation in salaries can largely be attributed to different specialization levels, night shift differentials, and the type of facility, with trauma centers typically offering higher pay. To maximize earnings in Chillicothe’s market, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in high-demand facilities, particularly as regulatory changes increasingly favor credentialed applicants in sterile processing roles.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Chillicothe?
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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 $40,820 for sterile processing techniciansin the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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