How much does a Sterile Processing Technician make?
Sterile Processing Technicians play a key role in healthcare settings. These professionals ensure that medical instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized. They help maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and medical staff. This job is important and rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and salary.
The salary for Sterile Processing Technicians varies based on experience and location. Entry-level technicians might earn around $34,000 per year. As they gain experience, salaries can increase. The average yearly salary for these technicians is about $53,000. Experienced technicians can earn upwards of $75,000 annually. Factors like location, the size of the facility, and the cost of living in different areas also impact salary levels. This role offers good earning potential and opportunities for advancement in the healthcare industry.
What are the highest paying cities for a Sterile Processing Technician?

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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $84,671
In Honolulu, you will find a dynamic healthcare environment. With prominent institutions like Hawaii Pacific Health, you can look forward to working in state-of-the-art facilities. Your role involves ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are meticulously cleaned and sterilized.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $83,116
Fort Myers offers a thriving medical sector. Companies such as Lee Health provide excellent opportunities. As a technician here, you'll play a crucial part in maintaining sterile conditions for patient safety. Your work directly supports the smooth operation of surgical procedures.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $78,821
San Francisco is home to top-tier medical centers like UCSF Health. In this vibrant city, you will handle sterilization tasks with precision. Your contributions ensure that every piece of equipment meets strict sanitary standards. Working here means you are part of a city known for its excellence in healthcare.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $75,802
Vallejo boasts well-regarded facilities such as Kaiser Permanente. As a technician, you will manage the sterilization process efficiently. This city values healthcare workers highly, and your role is integral to patient care. You will be appreciated for keeping everything impeccably clean.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $71,861
Sacramento is known for its strong healthcare system. With companies like Dignity Health, you will find rewarding work. Your duties will involve ensuring all surgical tools are safely sterilized. This city offers a supportive environment where your skills are highly valued.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $70,398
San Jose is a hub for medical innovation. Institutions like Stanford Health Care provide great opportunities. Here, you will ensure that all surgical equipment is properly sanitized. Working in this tech-savvy city means you are part of a cutting-edge healthcare community.
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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $69,326
In Cleveland, you can expect to work in well-established hospitals like Cleveland Clinic. As a technician, you'll be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. Your work is vital to the success of surgical procedures and patient safety.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $67,361
Boston is rich in medical history and offers many job opportunities. At hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital, your role will be to ensure all instruments are thoroughly sterilized. Working in this academic city means you are part of a dynamic healthcare environment.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $67,353
Santa Rosa features top-quality healthcare facilities like Sutter Medical Center. As a technician, you will help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety. Your work here will contribute significantly to patient care, and you'll be appreciated for your diligence.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $64,904
San Diego is known for its excellent healthcare services. Hospitals like UC San Diego Health offer great opportunities. Your role involves meticulous sterilization of surgical equipment. Working in this vibrant city means being part of a community that values healthcare excellence.
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What are the best companies a Sterile Processing Technician can work for?

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Global Technical Talent
Average Salary: $85,220
Global Technical Talent offers competitive pay and benefits for Sterile Processing Technicians. This company serves healthcare facilities nationwide. Their technicians ensure medical equipment is clean and safe. They work in various states, including California, Texas, and New York.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $83,288
El Camino Health pays well for Sterile Processing Technicians. This organization provides healthcare services in California. They focus on maintaining high standards of hygiene and efficiency in their medical equipment. Technicians work at different locations in the Bay Area.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $79,609
John Muir Health offers good salaries for Sterile Processing Technicians. They provide healthcare services in California, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Technicians at John Muir ensure that medical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use. They work in various locations within the region.
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ATX
Average Salary: $78,960
ATX offers attractive pay for Sterile Processing Technicians. This company works with healthcare facilities in Texas. Technicians ensure all medical equipment is clean and safe. They serve areas such as Austin and Houston.
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Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $77,394
Greenstaff Medical pays well for Sterile Processing Technicians. They support healthcare providers across the U.S. Technicians ensure medical equipment is properly sterilized. They work in various states, including California, New York, and Florida.
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Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $76,532
Genie Healthcare offers competitive pay for Sterile Processing Technicians. They serve hospitals and clinics across the U.S. Technicians play a key role in ensuring medical equipment is clean and safe. They work in states like California, New York, and Texas.
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FlexStaff
Average Salary: $75,161
FlexStaff offers good salaries for Sterile Processing Technicians. They provide staffing solutions to healthcare facilities nationwide. Technicians at FlexStaff ensure that medical equipment is properly cleaned and sterilized. They work in various locations across the country.
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Mobile Health Team Inc
Average Salary: $74,905
Mobile Health Team Inc pays well for Sterile Processing Technicians. They support healthcare providers in California. Technicians ensure that all medical equipment is clean and ready for use. They work in different locations within the state.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $74,240
Stanford Health Care offers good pay for Sterile Processing Technicians. They provide healthcare services in California. Technicians play a vital role in ensuring that medical equipment is properly sterilized. They work in the greater Bay Area.
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Business Integra Inc
Average Salary: $74,187
Business Integra Inc offers competitive pay for Sterile Processing Technicians. They serve healthcare facilities in various states. Technicians ensure that medical equipment is clean and safe. They work in states like California, Texas, and Florida.
How to earn more as a Sterile Processing Technician?
A Sterile Processing Technician holds a vital role in healthcare environments, ensuring medical equipment remains clean and ready for use. As this role grows in demand, so do opportunities for professionals to earn more. Increasing your earnings in this field involves a combination of skills, certifications, and experience. Here are some key factors to consider.
One major factor is obtaining additional certifications. Many employers value technicians who have completed courses in specialized areas of sterile processing. Certifications from organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) can enhance your qualifications and open doors to higher-paying positions. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can lead to more advanced roles.
Another factor is gaining experience. Like in many professions, more experience often leads to higher pay. Technicians who work in larger healthcare facilities or those with a diverse range of duties tend to earn more. This hands-on experience not only builds confidence but also allows for the development of advanced skills that are highly sought after.
Location also plays a significant role. Salaries can vary widely depending on where you work. Urban areas with high living costs often offer higher wages to attract qualified professionals. Researching salary trends in different regions can help you make informed decisions about where to apply.
- Obtain additional certifications.
- Gain experience in diverse roles.
- Consider working in higher-paying areas.
- Seek opportunities for advancement.
- Continuously improve your skills.



