Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lynnwood, WA: $46,466 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lynnwood, WA earns a median $46,466/year (≈ $22.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lynnwood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $43,264 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Lynnwood, Washington, is projected to be $46,466. This is slightly below the national median of $47,724, highlighting the localized economic conditions at play. Salaries for technicians in the area range from a low of $38,335 at the 10th percentile to as high as $66,864 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities indicate that evening and overnight shifts, particularly during surgical tray turnover, can significantly enhance earnings. These factors contribute to a competitive environment for those in sterile processing roles within the Lynnwood job market.
About the Lynnwood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,335 | $18.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,355 | $19.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,466 | $22.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,224 | $26.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,864 | $32.14 |
Median Salary Position
2.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynnwood
In Lynnwood, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,529 (2026 est.). At $46,466, the local median is 2.64% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynnwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynnwood Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lynnwood median: $46,466/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynnwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,052 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -2.64% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lynnwood, WA earn a median of $46,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $48,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynnwood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynnwood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,466 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,264 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,995
2025 BLS Actual
$44,585
2026 Current Est.
$46,466
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,771 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,585 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,466 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,427 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynnwood metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,995 (2019) to $44,585 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,427 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,432 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynnwood 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) | $38,335 – $40,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,355 – $46,466 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,466 – $55,224 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,224 – $66,864 |
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 Lynnwood
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Lynnwood is currently small, with only six professionals employed in the area; however, this can change as demand rises. The cost-of-living index of 107.4 means that while salaries may appear lower compared to national figures, the local purchasing power is adjusted for these living costs. Hospitals and specialized surgical centers are typically the highest-paying employers, and the disparity between entry-level and experienced positions can be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials and advanced credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. Obtaining higher certifications or moving into supervisory roles can lead to improved pay. Given the rising complexity of sterile processing, focusing on specialty credentials and gaining experience within trauma centers may yield the best financial outcomes for professionals in Lynnwood, WA.
More salary data for Lynnwood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Lynnwood?
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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 $44,585 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood 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