Sterile Processing Technician Salary in University Place, WA: $47,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in University Place, WA earns a median $47,145/year (≈ $22.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $43,897 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in University Place, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $47,145, slightly trailing the national median of $47,724. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $36,188 and the upper 90% reaching around $69,173. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local regional price variations. Since the implementation of credential-required hiring practices post-2021, this shift has influenced salary structures and job expectations within the market, reflecting the increasing importance of certification for both skilled professionals and prospective employers.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,188 | $17.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,908 | $18.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,145 | $22.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,861 | $26.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,173 | $33.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,985 (2026 est.). At $47,145, the local median is 1.21% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
University Place median: $47,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,058 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -1.21% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in University Place, WA earn a median of $47,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.21% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $48,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,145 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,897 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,506
2025 BLS Actual
$45,236
2026 Current Est.
$47,145
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,337 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,088 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,236 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,134 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,506 (2019) to $45,236 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,134 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,628 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $36,188 – $38,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,908 – $47,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,145 – $55,861 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,861 – $69,173 |
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 Place
With only six sterile processing technicians currently employed in University Place, the local job market remains somewhat limited, yet promising. The cost of living index in this area is 107.4, which indicates a higher expense relative to the national average. This factor can impact the purchasing power of professionals in the field. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest pay, while ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices also present competitive compensation opportunities. The variance in salaries is often influenced by factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight roles, credential stacking with certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as potential supervisory responsibilities. For those looking to enhance their earnings in University Place, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in trauma centers or higher-acuity settings can be effective strategies to maximize pay in this evolving job market.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $45,236 for sterile processing techniciansin the University Place 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 Place 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