Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Aurora, IL: $42,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Aurora, IL earns a median $42,528/year (≈ $20.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $43,798 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician is $42,528 for 2026, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $47,724. These figures derive from state-level estimates based on BLS data, which indicate a salary range that spans from $32,159 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $62,839 at the upper end (90th percentile). The local job market’s dynamics, influenced by the increasing demand for endoscope reprocessing specialists, highlight the importance of advanced skills and certifications in boosting earning potential. For those navigating the specialty, credential stacking such as achieving the CRCST, CIS, and CER can significantly enhance career prospects and salary outcomes.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,159 | $15.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,151 | $16.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,528 | $20.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,469 | $25.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,839 | $30.21 |
Median Salary Position
10.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,680 (2026 est.). At $42,528, the local median is 10.89% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Aurora median: $42,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $43,088 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -10.89% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora, IL earn a median of $42,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.89% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $43,088.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,528 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,798 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,029
2025 BLS Actual
$40,806
2026 Current Est.
$42,528
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,192 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,323 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,029 (2019) to $40,806 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,323 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,294 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $32,159 – $34,151 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,151 – $42,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,528 – $52,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,469 – $62,839 |
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 Aurora
A total of 44 sterile processing technicians are currently employed in the Aurora area, yielding a competitive job market despite a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which suggests that living expenses are somewhat below the national average. The difference in sterile processing technician pay in Aurora, IL, results from various factors including shift differentials for evenings and nights, which are attractive for those willing to work unconventional hours, as well as the complexities associated with supervising roles or working in trauma center environments. Employers, particularly hospital sterile processing departments and specialty centers, tend to offer higher pay. For professionals seeking to maximize their earning potential, focusing on specialized certification and pursuing leadership roles within the SPD can be effective strategies in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Aurora?
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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 $40,806 for sterile processing techniciansin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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