Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Covington, WA: $45,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Covington, WA earns a median $45,130/year (≈ $21.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Covington's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $42,020 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Covington, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $45,130 in 2026, which reflects local adjustments based on cost of living. This project places the full salary range between $34,801 at the 10th percentile and $63,124 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant earning potential based on experience and specialty. With the increasing emphasis on endoscope reprocessing (CER) in the sterile processing field, professionals who possess certifications in this subspecialty may find themselves at the higher end of the pay scale. These estimates stem from 2025 BLS data, projected into 2026, underscoring how regional factors influence compensation for sterile processing roles in Covington.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,801 | $16.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,922 | $18.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,619 | $26.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,124 | $30.35 |
Median Salary Position
5.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Covington
In Covington, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,323 (2026 est.). At $45,130, the local median is 5.44% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Covington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Covington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Covington median: $45,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Covington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,062 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.44% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Covington, WA earn a median of $45,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.44% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $48,062.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Covington has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Covington, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,130 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,020 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,989
2025 BLS Actual
$43,303
2026 Current Est.
$45,130
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,989 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Covington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,989 (2019) to $43,303 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,046 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Covington 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) | $34,801 – $38,922 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,922 – $45,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,130 – $54,619 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,619 – $63,124 |
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 Covington
In Covington, the job market for sterile processing technicians remains stable, with five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers are likely to offer the most competitive pay packages, particularly for those with multiple certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Factors contributing to pay variability include shift differentials for evening or overnight work, supervisory roles, and the specific setting of employment. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing advanced credentials, honing experience in high-demand areas like endoscope reprocessing, and exploring opportunities in major healthcare facilities within and around Covington, WA.
More salary data for Covington, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Covington?
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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 $43,303 for sterile processing techniciansin the Covington 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 Covington 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