Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Lawrence, KS: $42,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Lawrence, KS earns a median $42,112/year (≈ $20.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,328 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence, Kansas, is projected to be $42,112 annually, reflecting a competitive local market compared to the national median of $47,724. The compensation range is broad, with entry-level positions starting at $30,827 (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $60,473 (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlight that evening and overnight shifts can significantly impact earnings. Given the burgeoning demands for surgical tray turnover during these hours, drive differentials can serve as an important factor in overall compensation for technicians in this city.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,827 | $14.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,360 | $17.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,112 | $20.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,124 | $24.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,473 | $29.08 |
Median Salary Position
11.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, KS, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,646 (2026 est.). At $42,112, the local median is 11.76% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $42,112/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $41,654 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -11.76% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $42,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $41,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $42,112 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,328 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,716
2025 BLS Actual
$40,407
2026 Current Est.
$42,112
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,889 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,716 (2019) to $40,407 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,889 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,173 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $30,827 – $36,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,360 – $42,112 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,112 – $51,124 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,124 – $60,473 |
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 Lawrence
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Lawrence consists of 22 employed individuals, which represents a stable yet competitive arena. The cost of living index sits at 90.9, suggesting that while the salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable for local residents. Among the primary employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest pay, particularly for technicians who hold multiple certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER. The disparity in wages arises from factors such as shift differentials, the complexity of the position, and the type of healthcare facility—higher rates are often seen in trauma centers or those requiring advanced reprocessing skills. To maximize earning potential, prospective technicians should pursue diverse credential stacking and consider roles in facilities that prioritize specialty reprocessing services.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $40,407 for sterile processing techniciansin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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