Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Scranton, PA: $45,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Scranton, PA earns a median $45,784/year (≈ $22.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Scranton's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $48,938 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, sterile processing technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $45,784 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $47,724. This pay range demonstrates the variation in earnings within this field, with figures extending from $38,009 at the lowest 10th percentile to $54,038 at the highest 90th percentile. Derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wages data, these statistics reflect a significant shift in the local job market post-2021, as many employers have moved to credential-required hiring practices. This trend emphasizes the importance of certifications such as CRCST, CIS, and CER for candidates looking to elevate their professional standing and salary potential in Scranton’s medical landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,009 | $18.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,981 | $19.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,784 | $22.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,805 | $23.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,038 | $25.98 |
Median Salary Position
4.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
In Scranton, PA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,029 (2026 est.). At $45,784, the local median is 4.07% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scranton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Scranton Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Scranton median: $45,784/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scranton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $45,241 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -4.07% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Scranton, PA earn a median of $45,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,241.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scranton has a cost of living 6.44% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scranton, PA has a cost-of-living index of 93.556 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,784 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,938 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.89% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,481
2025 BLS Actual
$43,930
2026 Current Est.
$45,784
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,716 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scranton metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,481 (2019) to $43,930 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,716 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,235 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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) | $38,009 – $40,981 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,981 – $45,784 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,784 – $48,805 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,805 – $54,038 |
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 Scranton
The local job market employs around 160 sterile processing technicians, and with a cost-of-living index of 93.556, the purchasing power of these salaries tends to be relatively favorable compared to other regions. Notable employers that typically pay higher wages include hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, both of which recognize the value of certified professionals. The variations in salary can largely be attributed to several factors, including shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, as well as the level of credentials held by the technician. For those deepening their expertise, stacking credentials can lead to increased compensation opportunities. To maximize earning potential in Scranton, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seek positions in facilities with trauma center designations, which often come with higher pay grades.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
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 $43,930 for sterile processing techniciansin the Scranton 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