Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Missoula, MT: $46,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Missoula, MT earns a median $46,104/year (≈ $22.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.4), that paycheck buys what $47,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the projected annual compensation for sterile processing technicians is $46,104 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $47,724, reflecting a downward trend in salary compared to the national average by approximately 3.39%. The overall salary range for this occupation in the city is between $38,580 at the lower end (P10) to $55,918 at the upper end (P90). This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), highlights how the hiring landscape for this role has shifted since 2021. With a credential-required approach now the norm among many employers, the Missoula job market is adapting quickly, as individuals with certifications like CRCST or those pursuing additional credentials may find better-paying opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,104 | $22.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,935 | $23.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,918 | $26.89 |
Median Salary Position
3.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,338 (2026 est.). At $46,104, the local median is 3.39% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Missoula median: $46,104/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $44,076 | +4.60% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -3.39% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Missoula, MT earn a median of $46,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.39% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.60% above the Montana state average of $44,076.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.445 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $46,104 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,803 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,460
2025 BLS Actual
$44,237
2026 Current Est.
$46,104
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,049 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 40.6% from $31,460 (2019) to $44,237 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,049 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,589 (52.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $38,580 – $38,580 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,580 – $46,104 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,104 – $47,935 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,935 – $55,918 |
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 Missoula
In the local job market, there are currently about 50 sterile processing technicians employed in Missoula, indicating a stable demand for professionals in this field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96.445, slightly below the national average, allowing for greater purchasing power for technicians despite their salaries being on the lower side. When considering top-paying employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the best compensation, followed by specialty surgical centers and third-party service providers. Factors influencing the wage disparity include shift differentials for evening and overnight roles, additional credentials such as CIS and CER, and whether the position is within a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. Maximizing pay in this market may involve pursuing higher-level certifications, gaining experience in trauma centers, or seeking supervisory roles, which can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Missoula?
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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 $44,237 for sterile processing techniciansin the Missoula 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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