Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Waipahu, HI: $53,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Waipahu, HI earns a median $53,559/year (≈ $25.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $44,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the 2026 median annual salary for a sterile processing technician is projected to be $53,559, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national median of $47,724. Salary estimates range significantly from $41,041 at the lower end (P10) to $78,633 at the upper end (P90), indicating a diverse job market for this profession. It's essential to consider these figures in light of local economic conditions and the rising emphasis on specialized skills within the field, particularly in endoscope reprocessing (CER), which has become a valuable subspecialty. This growth in focus is not only pushing salaries upward, but also demonstrates the evolving qualifications required in Waipahu's healthcare landscape.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,041 | $19.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,150 | $21.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,559 | $25.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,329 | $30.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,633 | $37.80 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,592 (2026 est.). At $53,559, the local median is 12.23% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $53,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $54,652 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | +12.23% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $53,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $54,652.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,559 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,894 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,336
2025 BLS Actual
$51,390
2026 Current Est.
$53,559
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $40,336 (2019) to $51,390 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,483 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $41,041 – $44,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,150 – $53,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,559 – $63,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,329 – $78,633 |
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 Waipahu
With only nine sterile processing technicians currently employed in the area, job opportunities appear relatively limited, yet this also suggests a tight market that can drive demand for qualified individuals. The cost of living index for Waipahu stands at 119.3, considerably above the national average, indicating that while salaries in the area may be competitive, purchasing power is affected by higher living costs. Employers that typically offer the best sterile processing technician pay in Waipahu HI include hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers. Factors influencing salary variations in this market encompass shift differentials, the accumulation of certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, and the type of healthcare setting. To maximize earning potential, technicians should aim to obtain specialty certifications and be open to shifts that may offer higher pay rates, thereby enhancing their overall value in a competitive job landscape.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Waipahu, HI in 2026?
Is Waipahu, HI a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?
Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Waipahu?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Waipahu?
How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Waipahu?
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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 $51,390 for sterile processing techniciansin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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