Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Superior, WI: $45,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Superior, WI earns a median $45,263/year (≈ $21.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Superior's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,461 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Superior, Wisconsin, the projected salary for sterile processing technicians in 2026 is $45,263, reflecting the evolving requirements of the field that now mandates credentials for new hires due to a significant shift since 2021. Offering a salary range from $36,643 at the 10th percentile to $65,969 at the 90th percentile indicates a competitive market for those equipped with industry-standard certifications, especially as local providers adapt to the increased emphasis on professional qualifications. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlight how the shift toward credential-required hiring has influenced the pay landscape. Understanding this adjustment is crucial for those considering a career in sterile processing technology in Superior.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,643 | $17.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,758 | $18.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,263 | $21.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,899 | $26.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,969 | $31.71 |
Median Salary Position
5.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
In Superior, WI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,326 (2026 est.). At $45,263, the local median is 5.16% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Superior: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Superior Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Superior median: $45,263/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Superior Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,296 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.16% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Superior, WI earn a median of $45,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Superior 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.
Superior, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,263 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,461 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,088
2025 BLS Actual
$43,430
2026 Current Est.
$45,263
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,088 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Superior metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,088 (2019) to $43,430 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,085 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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) | $36,643 – $38,758 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,758 – $45,263 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,263 – $55,899 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,899 – $65,969 |
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 Superior
Currently, only seven sterile processing technicians are employed in Superior, suggesting a relatively small but specialized workforce. The area's cost of living index, at 93.4, represents a slightly more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, which may enhance the purchasing power of salaries earned within this sector. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest compensation, driven by the need for shift differentials and specialized certifications such as the CRCST and additional credentials like CIS and CER. Factors contributing to the pay variance include whether employment is with trauma centers or outpatient surgery centers, as well as roles that involve supervisory responsibilities. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential in this market, obtaining advanced certifications and opting for positions with hospitals may provide a competitive edge, especially in light of the growing demand for credentialed professionals in the sterile processing field.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Superior?
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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 $43,430 for sterile processing techniciansin the Superior 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 Superior 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