Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Caledonia, WI: $45,839 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Caledonia, WI earns a median $45,839/year (≈ $22.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Caledonia's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $49,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Wisconsin state average.

$45,839
Median Annual Salary
$22.04/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$34,279
Entry Level (P10)
$66,304
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Caledonia, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Caledonia, WI sterile processing technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Caledonia, Wisconsin, stands at $45,839. This figure indicates a modest decline compared to the national median of $47,724, highlighting a slightly less competitive market for technicians in the area. The salary range for this role extends from $34,279 at the 10th percentile to $66,304 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied earning potentials within the profession. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic factors and local cost-of-living considerations. Given the post-2021 credential-required shift in hiring practices, technicians equipped with multiple industry-recognized credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER may find enhanced opportunities in Caledonia's evolving healthcare landscape.

About the Caledonia Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$34,279$16.48
Lower Range (P25)$39,954$19.21
Median (P50)(typical)$45,839$22.04
Upper Range (P75)$56,303$27.07
Top Earners (P90)$66,304$31.88

Median Salary Position

$34,279$66,304
City Median: $45,839
National: $47,724
P10–P90 Range

3.95% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for sterile processing technicians in Caledonia. The median salary is $45,839, compared to the national median of $47,724.$30.9K$40.5K$50.2K$59.9K$69.6K$34.3K10th Pctl$40.0K25th Pctl$45.8KMedian$56.3K75th Pctl$66.3K90th PctlUS Median$47.7K

In Caledonia, WI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,025 (2026 est.). At $45,839, the local median is 3.95% below the national median of $47,724.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of sterile processing technician pay in the Caledonia metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$882
per week
$3,821
per month
$45,848
per year

At 40 hours/week in Caledonia: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Caledonia Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares

Caledonia median: $45,839/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryCaledonia Pays
Wisconsin Average$47,306-3.10% less
National Average$47,724-3.95% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Caledonia ($45,839) with Wisconsin average ($47,306) and the US national median ($47,724).Caledonia$45,839Wisconsin Avg$47,306-3.10%US National$47,724-3.95%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Caledonia, WI earn a median of $45,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,306.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$45,839
Nominal Salary
93.4
CoL Index
$49,078
Adjusted Salary

Caledonia has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $45,839. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the purchasing-power equivalent is $49,078, a gain of $3,239.$39.0K$43.3K$47.7K$52.1K$56.4K$45,839NominalSalary$49,078CoL Adjusted(CoL: 93.4) 7.07%US Median $47.7K

Caledonia, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,839 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,078 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$34,523

2025 BLS Actual

$43,983

2026 Current Est.

$45,839

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Caledonia (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Caledonia. Baseline $34,523 in 2025, projected to $47,773 by 2027.$31.9K$36.5K$41.1K$45.8K$50.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$34.5K$35.8K$35.2K$38.2K$41.8K$41.6K$44.0K$45.8K$47.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$34,523Actual
2020$35,777Actual
2021$35,242Actual
2022$38,248Actual
2023$41,752Actual
2024$41,633Actual
2025$43,983Actual
2026(current)$45,839Estimated
2027$47,773Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Caledonia metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,523 (2019) to $43,983 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,773 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,250 (38.38%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$34,279$39,954
3-5 years (Mid Career)$39,954$45,839
5+ years (Experienced)$45,839$56,303
10+ years (Top Earner)$56,303$66,304

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 Caledonia

Caledonia's job market for sterile processing technicians currently employs four individuals in this vital role. The cost-of-living index in the area is 93.4, meaning local salaries stretch further than they might in more expensive regions, positively impacting take-home purchasing power. In terms of potential employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest pay, particularly when professional certifications are bolstered by specialized skills. Other notable compensation sources include ambulatory surgery centers and large dental specialty practices, where the demand for skilled technicians can drive salaries higher. Factors influencing the pay spectrum range from shift differentials for evening and overnight work to the degree of specialization and supervisor positions. To maximize earning potential in the Caledonia market, pursuing additional certifications and considering opportunities in established hospital systems or multi-doctor practices can lead to better financial outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sterile processing technicians make in Caledonia, WI in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median sterile processing technician salary in Caledonia is $45,839/year ($22.04/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Salaries range from $34,279 at entry level (10th percentile) to $66,304 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Caledonia at 3.9% below the national median. Full-time sterile processing technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Caledonia, WI a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?

Caledonia sterile processing technician salaries are 3.9% below the national average and 3.1% below the Wisconsin state average. The metro area employs approximately 4 sterile processing technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Caledonia?

The median sterile processing technician salary in Caledonia is $45,839, and the 90th percentile earns $66,304. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Caledonia?

After adjusting for Caledonia's cost-of-living index of 93.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the $45,839 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $49,078 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 7.1% further in Caledonia compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for sterile processing technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Caledonia?

Sterile Processing Technicians in Caledonia earn a median hourly rate of $22.04, which translates to approximately $45,839/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $16.48 for entry-level positions to $31.88 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 $43,983 for sterile processing techniciansin the Caledonia 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 Caledonia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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