Sterile Processing Technician Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $44,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $44,941/year (≈ $21.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for sterile processing technicians in South Milwaukee is projected to be $44,941, reflecting a competitive rate within the industry, especially considering the growing demand for certified specialists in endoscope reprocessing (CER). Local technicians generally earn between $35,572 and $63,981 annually, a variance influenced by the unique demands of their roles and areas of practice. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors in South Milwaukee, where job growth in this sector is supported by the increased need for infection control and sterile practices in healthcare settings. Given the community's emphasis on training and credentialing, positions that include specialized skills garner considerable attention.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,572 | $17.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,659 | $18.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,941 | $21.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,336 | $25.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,981 | $30.76 |
Median Salary Position
5.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,409 (2026 est.). At $44,941, the local median is 5.83% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $44,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,306 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.83% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $44,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.83% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,306.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee 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.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,941 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,117 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,846
2025 BLS Actual
$43,121
2026 Current Est.
$44,941
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,846 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,837 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,846 (2019) to $43,121 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,837 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,991 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $35,572 – $37,659 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,659 – $44,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,941 – $52,336 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,336 – $63,981 |
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 South Milwaukee
The job market for sterile processing technicians in South Milwaukee consists of about six active professionals. While the cost of living index stands at 93.4, indicating affordability relative to national averages, it also affects the effective purchasing power of local salaries. Major employers, including hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, frequently offer competitive pay scales, with specialists in CER and credential stacking (such as CRCST + CIS + CER) often receiving higher wages. Factors that contribute to salary disparities include shift differentials for overnight work, the level of credentialing, and supervisory roles that can significantly impact earnings. For individuals wanting to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional credentials while seeking positions in high-demand facilities like trauma centers or large multi-doctor dental practices could yield better financial results in this evolving job landscape.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
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 $43,121 for sterile processing techniciansin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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