Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Wisconsin: $47,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median sterile processing technician pay sits at $47,475/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9093. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $50,830 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Eau Claire ($47,866), Madison ($47,616), Waukesha ($46,466).
In Wisconsin, the average median salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is projected to be $47,475, slightly below the national median of $47,724, indicating a difference of -0.5%. The salary range within the state varies, with Eau Claire leading at $49,886, while Janesville sits at the lower end with $43,032. This gap of $6,854 can be attributed to differences in the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in these areas. Licensing requirements in Wisconsin are important for aspiring sterile processing technicians, as they need to complete specific education and certification processes, which can vary. The scope of practice laws influence job responsibilities and are designed to ensure safety and efficacy in surgical environments. Factors driving demand in the state include an aging population, ongoing technological advancements in surgery, and the need for consistent quality control in medical facilities. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.22%, the job market for sterile processing technicians in Wisconsin appears to be stable and continues to expand. As hospitals and healthcare systems respond to increasing patient volumes, the need for skilled technicians will remain strong, offering a reliable career path in the healthcare sector across the state.
Wisconsin Sterile Processing Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $29,726 (lowest entry-level) to $69,252 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin sterile processing technicians earn 0.52% less than the national median ($-249/year difference).
Wisconsin Sterile Processing Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Sterile Processing Technician salaries in Wisconsin range from $38,591 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $59,699 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $47,475. The Wisconsin median is $249 below the US national median of $47,724. The average hourly rate is $22.82/hr. Approximately 1,296 sterile processing technicians are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,297
2025 BLS Actual
$45,553
2026 Current Est.
$47,475
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,297 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,479 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 29.1% from $35,297 (2019) to $45,553 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,182 (40.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Janesville | $43,032 |
| Beloit | $43,130 |
| Wisconsin Rapids | $43,372 |
| Middleton | $43,735 |
| Kenosha | $44,203 |
Best Value Cities for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for sterile processing technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire | $49,886 | 92.796 | $53,759 |
| Waukesha | $48,427 | 93.4 | $51,849 |
| Appleton | $47,485 | 92.419 | $51,380 |
| Madison | $49,625 | 97.287 | $51,009 |
| West Allis | $47,343 | 93.4 | $50,688 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,591 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $47,475 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $59,699 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eau Claire | $49,886 |
| 2 | Madison | $49,625 |
| 3 | Waukesha | $48,427 |
| 4 | Milwaukee | $47,824 |
| 5 | Appleton | $47,485 |
| 6 | West Allis | $47,343 |
| 7 | Green Bay | $47,124 |
| 8 | Fitchburg | $47,028 |
| 9 | Greenfield | $47,025 |
| 10 | Wausau | $46,674 |
| 11 | Racine | $46,672 |
| 12 | Oshkosh | $46,631 |
| 13 | Menomonee Falls | $46,618 |
| 14 | Brookfield | $46,507 |
| 15 | West Bend | $46,482 |
| 16 | De Pere | $46,445 |
| 17 | New Berlin | $46,357 |
| 18 | Sun Prairie | $45,964 |
| 19 | Caledonia | $45,839 |
| 20 | Mount Pleasant | $45,817 |
| 21 | Muskego | $45,740 |
| 22 | La Crosse | $45,724 |
| 23 | Stevens Point | $45,527 |
| 24 | Franklin | $45,476 |
| 25 | Oak Creek | $45,333 |
| 26 | Superior | $45,263 |
| 27 | Manitowoc | $45,241 |
| 28 | Sheboygan | $45,204 |
| 29 | Fond du Lac | $45,101 |
| 30 | Pewaukee | $45,073 |
| 31 | Onalaska | $45,062 |
| 32 | South Milwaukee | $44,941 |
| 33 | Pleasant Prairie | $44,934 |
| 34 | Menomonie | $44,888 |
| 35 | Whitewater | $44,884 |
| 36 | Wauwatosa | $44,845 |
| 37 | Germantown | $44,813 |
| 38 | Marshfield | $44,795 |
| 39 | River Falls | $44,575 |
| 40 | Mequon | $44,208 |
| 41 | Platteville | $44,205 |
| 42 | Kenosha | $44,203 |
| 43 | Middleton | $43,735 |
| 44 | Wisconsin Rapids | $43,372 |
| 45 | Beloit | $43,130 |
| 46 | Janesville | $43,032 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore sterile processing technician hourly pay in Wisconsin cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced sterile processing technicians.
Explore More Sterile Processing Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for sterile processing technicians in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin sterile processing technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level sterile processing technician salary in Wisconsin?
How many sterile processing technicians are employed in Wisconsin?
Which Wisconsin city offers the best value for sterile processing technicians?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 sterile processing technician compensation across Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 metro areas — larger metro areas with more sterile processing technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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