Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pearl, MS: $38,892 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Pearl, MS earns a median $38,892/year (≈ $18.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Pearl's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $45,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Mississippi state average.

$38,892
Median Annual Salary
$18.70/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$30,341
Entry Level (P10)
$54,154
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pearl, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pearl, MS sterile processing technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Pearl, Mississippi, aspiring sterile processing technicians can expect an estimated annual salary of $38,892 in 2026. This figure is reflective of local conditions, taking into account state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The salary range for these professionals falls between $30,341 for entry-level positions (P10) and can reach up to $54,154 for those at the higher end of the scale (P90). Pearl’s job market for sterile processing technicians is influenced significantly by shift differentials, particularly for evening and overnight surgical tray turnover, which can enhance overall compensation in this crucial healthcare sector.

About the Pearl Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$30,341$14.59
Lower Range (P25)$32,579$15.66
Median (P50)(typical)$38,892$18.70
Upper Range (P75)$46,490$22.36
Top Earners (P90)$54,154$26.03

Median Salary Position

$30,341$54,154
City Median: $38,892
National: $47,724
P10–P90 Range

18.51% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearl

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for sterile processing technicians in Pearl. The median salary is $38,892, compared to the national median of $47,724.$27.3K$34.7K$42.1K$49.5K$56.9K$30.3K10th Pctl$32.6K25th Pctl$38.9KMedian$46.5K75th Pctl$54.2K90th PctlUS Median$47.7K

In Pearl, MS, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,813 (2026 est.). At $38,892, the local median is 18.51% below the national median of $47,724.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of sterile processing technician pay in the Pearl metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$748
per week
$3,241
per month
$38,890
per year

At 40 hours/week in Pearl: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Pearl Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares

Pearl median: $38,892/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryPearl Pays
Mississippi Average$39,245-0.90% less
National Average$47,724-18.51% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Pearl ($38,892) with Mississippi average ($39,245) and the US national median ($47,724).Pearl$38,892Mississippi Avg$39,245-0.90%US National$47,724-18.51%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Pearl, MS earn a median of $38,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.51% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $39,245.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$38,892
Nominal Salary
85.7
CoL Index
$45,382
Adjusted Salary

Pearl has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $38,892. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing-power equivalent is $45,382, a gain of $6,490.$33.1K$38.5K$44.0K$49.4K$54.9K$38,892NominalSalary$45,382CoL Adjusted(CoL: 85.7) 16.69%US Median $47.7K

Pearl, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $38,892 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,382 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.

Compare Purchasing Power

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2019 BLS Actual

$29,290

2025 BLS Actual

$37,317

2026 Current Est.

$38,892

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pearl (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Pearl. Baseline $29,290 in 2025, projected to $40,533 by 2027.$26.5K$30.6K$34.7K$38.8K$42.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.3K$30.4K$29.9K$32.5K$35.4K$28.9K$37.3K$38.9K$40.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$29,290Actual
2020$30,354Actual
2021$29,901Actual
2022$32,451Actual
2023$35,424Actual
2024$28,862Actual
2025$37,317Actual
2026(current)$38,892Estimated
2027$40,533Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pearl metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $29,290 (2019) to $37,317 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,533 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,243 (38.39%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$30,341$32,579
3-5 years (Mid Career)$32,579$38,892
5+ years (Experienced)$38,892$46,490
10+ years (Top Earner)$46,490$54,154

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 Pearl

Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently six sterile processing technicians employed in the area, indicating a small yet focused workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing power in Pearl is favorable, providing a context for salary expectations. Among the various employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive pay, although ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices also contribute significantly. The disparity in salaries often stems from various factors, including shift differentials, credential stacking with certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER, and roles like supervisor or lead technician. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Pearl, pursuing advanced certifications, considering work during shifts that command higher pay, and seeking employment in trauma centers or hospitals could provide better financial outcomes while navigating the evolving landscape of sterile processing in healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sterile processing technicians make in Pearl, MS in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median sterile processing technician salary in Pearl is $38,892/year ($18.70/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Salaries range from $30,341 at entry level (10th percentile) to $54,154 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Pearl at 18.5% below the national median. Full-time sterile processing technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Pearl, MS a good place to work as a sterile processing technician?

Pearl sterile processing technician salaries are 18.5% below the national average and 0.9% below the Mississippi state average. The metro area employs approximately 6 sterile processing technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Pearl?

The median sterile processing technician salary in Pearl is $38,892, and the 90th percentile earns $54,154. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Pearl?

After adjusting for Pearl's cost-of-living index of 85.7 (where 100 equals the national average), the $38,892 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $45,382 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 16.7% further in Pearl compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for sterile processing technicians seeking strong real wages.

How much does a sterile processing technician make per hour in Pearl?

Sterile Processing Technicians in Pearl earn a median hourly rate of $18.70, which translates to approximately $38,892/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $14.59 for entry-level positions to $26.03 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Mississippi

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 $37,317 for sterile processing techniciansin the Pearl 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 Pearl is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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