Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Reading, PA: $42,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Reading, PA earns a median $42,611/year (≈ $20.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Reading's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, the specialized role of a sterile processing technician brings a median annual salary of $42,611, which is notably lower than the national median of $47,724. The salary range reflects diverse levels of expertise and setting, from $31,216 at the lower end of experience (P10) to $53,088 for those at the top of their field (P90). Such figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and project the growth and compensation trends for this essential role, particularly as endoscope reprocessing (CER) emerges as a sought-after specialty. For job seekers in Reading, understanding the nuances of the local market is paramount, especially given the emphasis on credentialing that has accelerated since post-2021, making certified individuals more competitive.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,216 | $15.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,838 | $16.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,611 | $20.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,865 | $23.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,088 | $25.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reading
In Reading, PA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,872 (2026 est.). At $42,611, the local median is 10.71% below the national median of $47,724.
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How Reading Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Reading median: $42,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reading Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $45,235 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.71% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Reading, PA earn a median of $42,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.71% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.80% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reading has a cost of living 2.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reading, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,902 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,092
2025 BLS Actual
$40,886
2026 Current Est.
$42,611
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,092 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,555 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,410 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reading metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,092 (2019) to $40,886 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,410 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,318 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reading 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) | $31,216 – $34,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,838 – $42,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,611 – $48,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,865 – $53,088 |
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 Reading
The job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Reading is supported by a workforce of about 70 professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06, living expenses remain slightly lower than the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Among employers, local hospital sterile processing departments generally offer the most competitive pay, with factors such as shift differentials and specialty credential stacking (e.g., CRCST + CIS + CER) significantly influencing earnings. The disparity between low and high pay can also hinge on work environments—trauma centers often provide higher compensation compared to ambulatory surgery centers. To capitalize on salary potential, aspiring technicians should pursue relevant certifications and consider roles in settings that prioritize advanced training and offer incentives for unique service lines, thus maximizing their value in the Reading market.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Reading?
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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 $40,886 for sterile processing techniciansin the Reading 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