Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lakewood, OH: $44,955 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lakewood, OH earns a median $44,955/year (≈ $21.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $49,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Lakewood, Ohio, is estimated to reach $44,955, falling slightly below the national average of $47,724. The salary range for this role spans from $33,041 at the 10th percentile to $67,576 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and responsibilities within the field. Compensation figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, with regional cost adjustments taken into account. Given the rising demand for specialized skills, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, the job market in Lakewood indicates solid opportunities for technicians, especially those who have pursued additional credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,041 | $15.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,217 | $17.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,955 | $21.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,675 | $26.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,576 | $32.49 |
Median Salary Position
5.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,535 (2026 est.). At $44,955, the local median is 5.8% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $44,955/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $45,181 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.80% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $44,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.80% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $45,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood 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.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,955 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,564 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,857
2025 BLS Actual
$43,135
2026 Current Est.
$44,955
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,857 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,902 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,955 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,857 (2019) to $43,135 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,995 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $33,041 – $36,217 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,217 – $44,955 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,955 – $54,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,675 – $67,576 |
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 Lakewood
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are 11 sterile processing technicians employed in Lakewood, which indicates a niche but specialized workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, salaries in this area provide relatively more purchasing power compared to national averages, ensuring that technicians can manage their expenses effectively. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical facilities. Factors contributing to the variation in compensation include shift differentials, the presence of specialized credentials, and the type of healthcare facilities involved. To maximize earnings, technicians should focus on acquiring advanced certifications and explore positions in high-demand settings, such as trauma centers, which recognize the value of skilled professionals in the field.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
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 $43,135 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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