Sterile Processing Technician Salary in University Park, TX: $40,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in University Park, TX earns a median $40,859/year (≈ $19.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in University Park's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $42,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Park, Texas, the expected earnings for a sterile processing technician are projected to reach a median annual salary of $40,859 in 2026. This falls significantly below the national median of $47,724, translating to a roughly 14.38% difference. Local pay ranges from $32,148 at the 10th percentile to $57,955 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for varying compensation based on experience, skill level, and work environment. These figures stem from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic landscape in University Park. The demand for these technicians continues to grow, influenced by the critical nature of evening and overnight surgical tray turnovers, which often come with enhanced compensation rates.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,148 | $15.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,098 | $16.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,859 | $19.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,827 | $23.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,955 | $27.86 |
Median Salary Position
14.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Park
In University Park, TX, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,807 (2026 est.). At $40,859, the local median is 14.38% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Park Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
University Park median: $40,859/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $43,146 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -14.38% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in University Park, TX earn a median of $40,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $43,146.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Park has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Park, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $40,859 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,561 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,772
2025 BLS Actual
$39,205
2026 Current Est.
$40,859
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,216 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,584 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Park metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $30,772 (2019) to $39,205 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,584 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,812 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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) | $32,148 – $34,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,098 – $40,859 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,859 – $49,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,827 – $57,955 |
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 University Park
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently five sterile processing technicians employed in University Park. The cost of living index stands at 96, indicating a below-average cost of living which can impact the effective purchasing power of salaries in the area. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive pay, especially for those who possess advanced credentials like CRCST, CIS, or CER. The disparity in wages often correlates with shift differentials, as evening and overnight shifts for surgical tray turnovers provide additional earning potential. To maximize pay within this market, technicians in University Park should consider pursuing specialty certifications and seeking employment in high-demand settings such as trauma centers, as these qualifications can lead to increased earning opportunities.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
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 $39,205 for sterile processing techniciansin the University Park 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 University Park 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