Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Kenosha, WI: $44,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Kenosha, WI earns a median $44,203/year (≈ $21.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Kenosha's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $43,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is projected to be $44,203, reflecting a competitive local rate compared to the national median of $47,724. The salary spectrum ranges widely, from $29,726 at the lower tenth percentile to $55,548 at the ninety-percentile mark. These figures derive from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlight the importance of shift differentials in evening and overnight surgical tray turnover, as these factors significantly influence compensation. Given the growing demand in the healthcare sector, Kenosha's job market reflects an opportunity for technicians to enhance their earnings through strategic shift selections and further specialization.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,726 | $14.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,203 | $21.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,254 | $22.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,548 | $26.70 |
Median Salary Position
7.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
In Kenosha, WI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,822 (2026 est.). At $44,203, the local median is 7.38% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kenosha: You'd be above the median
How Kenosha Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Kenosha median: $44,203/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenosha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,326 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -7.38% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Kenosha, WI earn a median of $44,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,326.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenosha has a cost of living 1.12% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenosha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 101.118 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $44,203 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,714 — a 1.11% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$33,290
2025 BLS Actual
$42,413
2026 Current Est.
$44,203
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,984 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,261 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,068 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenosha metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,290 (2019) to $42,413 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,068 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,778 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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) | $29,726 – $38,120 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,120 – $44,203 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,203 – $46,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,254 – $55,548 |
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 Kenosha
Currently, there are around 30 sterile processing technicians employed in Kenosha. The local cost of living index sits at 101.118, indicating a slightly higher living cost than the national average, which can affect take-home purchasing power and overall affordability. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments often offer the highest salaries, with ambulatory surgical centers and specialty practices closely following. Factors contributing to the disparity in earnings include the prevalence of evening and overnight shifts, as well as additional credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER that can substantially raise pay. Candidates can maximize their pay in Kenosha by pursuing these certifications and seeking positions at hospitals or trauma centers where the demand for skilled technicians is most robust.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Kenosha, WI in 2026?
Is Kenosha, WI a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Kenosha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Kenosha?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Kenosha?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $42,413 for sterile processing techniciansin the Kenosha 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, 2-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