Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Olympia, WA: $43,703 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Olympia, WA earns a median $43,703/year (≈ $21.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.7), that paycheck buys what $42,156 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, the projected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians stands at $43,703 in 2026, indicating a competitive position within the healthcare field. Salary ranges are notable, extending from $36,369 at the lower end to $71,726 for those at the higher end. These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlight not only the earning potential in this sector but also reflect the increasing demand for specialized skills, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, which is becoming a premium subspecialty due to its importance in mitigating infection risks and adhering to stringent healthcare standards. This evolving demand signifies robust opportunities for technicians in Olympia's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,369 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,570 | $18.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,703 | $21.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,019 | $27.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,726 | $34.49 |
Median Salary Position
8.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,357 (2026 est.). At $43,703, the local median is 8.43% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Olympia Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Olympia median: $43,703/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,078 | -9.10% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -8.43% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Olympia, WA earn a median of $43,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.43% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 9.10% below the Washington state average of $48,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 3.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,703 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,156 — a 3.54% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,340
2025 BLS Actual
$41,933
2026 Current Est.
$43,703
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,933 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 22.1% from $34,340 (2019) to $41,933 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,207 (32.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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) | $36,369 – $38,570 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,570 – $43,703 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,703 – $58,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,019 – $71,726 |
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 Olympia
Analyzing the local landscape, there are currently 60 sterile processing technicians employed in Olympia, with a cost of living index of 103.67 suggesting that while salaries are slightly below the national median, local housing and lifestyle costs play a crucial role in determining take-home pay. Institutions that tend to offer the most competitive wages include hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, especially those dealing with trauma. The differences in pay are often attributed to various factors, including shift differentials, required credentials like CRCST + CIS + CER, and the specific settings of the employers. To maximize income, technicians should consider honing their skills in high-demand specialties, pursuing additional certifications, and seeking opportunities in trauma centers or high-volume surgery centers, where compensation often reflects the specialized nature of the work required.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Olympia, WA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Olympia?
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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 $41,933 for sterile processing techniciansin the Olympia 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, 4-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