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sterile processing tech walking with tray of sterilized instruments

The salary of a Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) can vary based on experience and the state in which they work. SPTs typically work in hospitals and outpatient clinics, where their primary responsibility is within the sterilization department. They collaborate closely with the operating room (OR) team to ensure that all surgical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for use.

The OR functions like a well-coordinated team, with each member playing a vital role in the success of a surgical procedure. The Sterile Processing Technician is an essential part of this team, ensuring that sterile instruments and equipment are ready and safe for use, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the operation.

Sterile Processing Technician Job Description

Sterile processing technicians play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures by ensuring that all reusable medical and surgical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, organized, and prepared for use in the operating room. They are responsible for retrieving contaminated tools, packaging them appropriately, and delivering newly sterilized instruments in a timely and systematic manner. This fast-paced job demands exceptional attention to detail and precision to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety. While sterile processing technicians do not interact directly with patients, their work is integral to every stage of surgery, contributing to the overall success and safety of the surgical process.

Top 5 Highest Paying States for Sterile Processing Techs

Bellevue, Washington
StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Massachusetts$62,043$5,170$1,193$29.83
Washington$56,861$4,738$1,093$27.34
Maryland$55,285$4,607$1,063$26.58
New York$54,929$4,577$1,056$26.41
Virginia$53,680$4,473$1,032$25.81

One factor that influences sterile processing technician salaries is the state of employment. Massachusetts, for instance, offers nearly 15% above the national average, according to ZipRecruiter. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living in these states. While salaries may be higher in places like Massachusetts and Washington, they also have a higher cost of living compared to states like Michigan or Alabama, where wages may be lower but living expenses are more affordable.

5 of The Lowest Paying States for Sterile Processing Techs

Louisiana has the lowest pay for sterile processing techs, with salaries nearly 28% below the national average, according to ZipRecruiter. If you live in this state, it might be a good idea to explore local or travel contract opportunities to boost your income. Travel contracts, in particular, can offer higher pay, housing stipends, and additional benefits. Many hospitals are also offering sign-on bonuses and other incentives to attract skilled professionals. We discuss more about these options and how to take advantage of them below.

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Louisiana$37,901$3,158$728$18.22
Georgia$38,820$3,235$746$18.66
Florida$39,744$3,312$764$19.11
Mississippi$41,630$3,469$800$20.01
Alabama$42,195$3,516$811$20.29
*Source: ZipRecruiter*

Median Salary for Sterile Processing Tech



In 2023, the national average salary for a sterile processing technician is $52,969, with salaries varying significantly from $28,500 to $77,000. This wide range in pay is influenced by factors such as geographic location, the type of hospital system, years of experience, and whether you’re a permanent staff member or a temporary travel tech. Travel positions, in particular, often offer higher pay rates, along with additional benefits such as housing stipends and travel reimbursements. Other factors that can impact salary include certifications, specialized skills, and the demand for sterile processing technicians in specific regions. The good news is that there’s considerable earning potential in this field. With the right experience and strategic job choices, it’s definitely possible to become one of the higher earners in the industry.

Sterile Processing Tech Job Outlook

The job market for sterile processing technicians remains stable and consistently strong, with a projected growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate reflects the average growth trajectory within the healthcare industry. Over the next decade, approximately 3,700 new positions are expected to become available. This increase is largely driven by the retirement of the aging Baby Boomer generation, which will open up significant opportunities for new professionals in the field. As a result, pursuing a career as a sterile processing technician offers an excellent entry point into the healthcare sector, providing job security in an essential and rapidly evolving industry. With the demand for qualified professionals rising, sterile processing techs can look forward to a rewarding and stable career path in a high-demand, essential role.

Average Sterile Processing Tech Salary By State

When it comes to salary, the most significant factor is often the location of your workplace. The city and state where you are employed can have a major impact on your income. Below is a comprehensive list of wage data for sterile processing techs by state.

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Alabama$42,195$3,516$811$20.29
Alaska $48,153$4,012$926$23.15
Arizona$48,441$4,036$931$23.29
Arkansas$50,548$4,212$972$24.30
California$51,113$4,259$982$24.57
Colorado $53,134$4,427$1,021$25.55
Connecticut $48,414$4,034$931$23.28
Delaware $52,177$4,348$1,003$25.09
Florida $39,744$3,312$764$19.11
Georgia $38,820$3,235$746$18.66
Hawaii $50,760$4,230$976$24.40
Idaho $52,082$4,340$1,001$25.04
Illinois $49,844$4,153$958$23.96
Indiana $46,772$3,897$899$22.49
Iowa $44,150$3,679$849$21.23
Kansas $42,441$3,536$816$20.40
Kentucky $53,513$4,459$1,029$25.73
Louisiana $37,901$3,158$728$18.22
Maine $48,401$4,033$930$23.27
Maryland $55,285$4,607$1,063$26.58
Massachusetts $62,043$5,170$1,193$29.83
Michigan $49,489$4,124$951$23.79
Minnesota $47,340$3,945$910$22.76
Mississippi $41,630$3,469$800$20.01
Missouri $48,693$4,057$936$23.41
Montana $46,261$3,855$889$22.24
Nebraska $51,819$4,318$996$24.91
Nevada $50,562$4,213$972$24.31
New Hampshire $50,915$4,242$979$24.48
New Jersey $48,145$4,012$925$23.15
New Mexico $42,388$3,532$815$20.38
New York $54,929$4,577$1,056$26.41
North Carolina $43,351$3,612$833$20.84
North Dakota $46,861$3,905$901$22.53
Ohio $44,620$3,718$858$21.45
Oklahoma $49,515$4,126$952$23.81
Oregon $47,876$3,989$920$23.02
Pennsylvania $45,196$3,766$869$21.73
Rhode Island $47,955$3,996$922$23.06
South Carolina $51,736$4,311$994$24.87
South Dakota $44,938$3,744$864$21.61
Tennessee $49,269$4,105$947$23.69
Texas $46,291$3,857$890$22.26
Utah $43,907$3,658$844$21.11
Vermont $50,051$4,170$962$24.06
Virginia $53,680$4,473$1,032$25.81
Washington $56,861$4,738$1,093$27.34
West Virginia $46,297$3,858$890$22.26
Wisconsin $44,761$3,730$860$21.52
Wyoming $48,115$4,009$925$23.13
*Source: ZipRecruiter*

Average Job Salary for Travel Sterile Processing Tech

Travel contracts can be a fantastic way to boost your income! In 2023, the average weekly pay for a travel sterile processing tech in the U.S. was $1,407, according to Vivian. This is 34% higher than the national average for staff sterile processing techs! The potential for a higher paycheck is just one of the many advantages of travel and local contracts. Whether you’re seeking to earn more or explore new places, it’s worth considering travel opportunities in your area!

When it comes to travel contracts they are great opportunities in increasing your income!

Staff Versus Travel Sterile Processing Tech

sterile processing tech organizing tools

There are various career paths you can pursue as a sterile processing technician, and one option you may be considering is traveling on contract. A typical travel contract lasts 13 weeks at a facility in need of temporary staffing. In this role, you fill the gap until the facility can hire a permanent staff member. In some cases, you can extend your contract and remain at the facility for several months or even years, if there’s a continued need. Travel contracts offer great advantages, but also come with a few challenges. Here’s what to consider when thinking about a travel position.

Pros of Being a Travel Sterile Processing Tech

  • Flexibility
  • Improved Work-Life Balance
  • Higher Hourly Wage
  • Avoidance of Workplace Politics
  • Ability to Take Time Off

While higher pay is often a major motivator for people to take travel contracts, other factors such as flexibility, avoiding hospital politics, and the ability to take time off are also key reasons. Traveling as a sterile processing tech can also help combat burnout, since you have the chance to take sufficient time off between contracts to relax and spend time with loved ones.

Cons of Being a Travel Sterile Processing Tech

  • Risk of Contract Cancellation
  • Need to Relearn Facility Protocols
  • Working with New Colleagues Frequently
  • Limited or Less Comprehensive Benefits
  • Less Job Stability than a Permanent Position

Traveling differs significantly from working an permanent position. For example, you’ll be at new facilities and working with different teams every few months, which can require a learning curve. Medical benefits for travelers are typically more expensive than those for permanent staff and may offer less coverage, so it’s important to discuss these details with your recruiter if you need insurance. Another downside is the risk of a canceled contract, which can occasionally occur when working with an agency.

Where to Look for Travel Sterile Processing Tech Jobs

Finding the perfect travel contract starts with looking in the right places! For example, you can check out the wide range of travel sterile processing jobs available through PRN Healthcare across the nation right here! Recruiters are readily available to discuss the opportunities that catch your interest and help guide you through the process. One of the best features of these platforms is that they allow you to choose your own adventure, giving you the flexibility to explore various job options. Specialized job sites like Vivian are fantastic resources for discovering up-to-date travel allied health positions, complete with detailed pay rates and easy application processes. You can also browse job listings directly by filtering by agency, making it even easier to find the right fit.