Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Owensboro, KY: $41,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Owensboro, KY earns a median $41,247/year (≈ $19.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Owensboro's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $46,189 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owensboro, KY, the sterile processing technician salary is projected at a median of $41,247 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $47,724. The local salary range offers opportunities from $31,197 at the 10th percentile to $58,979 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied demand for skilled technicians in this critical field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that technicians who specialize in endoscope reprocessing (CER) may command higher wages due to increased competencies and responsibilities. Understanding the local employment landscape suggests that individuals entering this profession can expect a competitive but diverse salary environment, particularly in facilities that prioritize advanced specialty training.
About the Owensboro Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,197 | $15.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,891 | $16.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,247 | $19.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,923 | $24.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,979 | $28.36 |
Median Salary Position
13.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owensboro
In Owensboro, KY, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,782 (2026 est.). At $41,247, the local median is 13.57% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Owensboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Owensboro Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Owensboro median: $41,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $40,920 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -13.57% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Owensboro, KY earn a median of $41,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.57% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% above the Kentucky state average of $40,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owensboro has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Owensboro, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $41,247 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,189 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,064
2025 BLS Actual
$39,577
2026 Current Est.
$41,247
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,064 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,193 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,711 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,416 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,577 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owensboro metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $31,064 (2019) to $39,577 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,924 (38.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owensboro 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) | $31,197 – $33,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,891 – $41,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,247 – $49,923 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,923 – $58,979 |
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 Owensboro
With only 14 sterile processing technicians employed in Owensboro, the local job market remains relatively small, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index in the area stands at 89.3, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further for technicians. Among the various employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer some of the highest salaries, closely followed by specialty surgical centers and dental practices. Factors driving the disparity in wages include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, the importance of credential stacking such as the CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications, and pay variations based on the type of facility, with trauma centers generally providing higher compensation. To maximize earnings in Owensboro, technicians should consider acquiring additional certifications as well as seeking opportunities in hospitals and specialized clinics that emphasize quality and efficiency in the sterile processing field.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $39,577 for sterile processing techniciansin the Owensboro 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 Owensboro 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