Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Longview, WA: $46,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Longview, WA earns a median $46,884/year (≈ $22.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Longview's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $43,654 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in Longview, Washington, is estimated at $46,884, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.76% compared to the national median of $47,724 for the same year. The expected salary range for this role varies significantly, from $35,358 at the 10th percentile to $68,398 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data, considering regional cost adjustments. The market has adapted to a credential-required hiring process since 2021, fostering an environment where candidates with certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER are increasingly prioritized, along with state registration laws gaining traction. This shift indicates a professionalization within the field, suggesting greater job stability and potential for upward mobility in Longview's healthcare sector.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,358 | $17.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,374 | $18.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,884 | $22.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,942 | $27.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,398 | $32.88 |
Median Salary Position
1.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
In Longview, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,040 (2026 est.). At $46,884, the local median is 1.76% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Longview: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Longview Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Longview median: $46,884/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Longview Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,087 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -1.76% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Longview, WA earn a median of $46,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.50% below the Washington state average of $48,087.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Longview has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Longview, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,884 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,654 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,310
2025 BLS Actual
$44,986
2026 Current Est.
$46,884
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,592 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Longview metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,310 (2019) to $44,986 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,553 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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) | $35,358 – $38,374 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,374 – $46,884 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,884 – $57,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,942 – $68,398 |
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 Longview
The market for sterile processing technicians in Longview features a modest number of employed individuals, with only six currently working in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 107.4, which exceeds the national average and affects the take-home purchasing power of technicians. Leading employers in this setting, like hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgical centers, tend to offer the most competitive wages, driven by various factors. Pay disparities exist, influenced by evening or overnight shift differentials, the importance of specialty certifications, and the setting of employment—such as hospitals versus surgical centers. For those looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Longview, pursuing additional certifications and seeking opportunities in trauma centers or supervisory roles can significantly enhance earnings potential, making it a strategic career choice.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
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 $44,986 for sterile processing techniciansin the Longview 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 Longview 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