Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $51,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Wenatchee, WA earns a median $51,387/year (≈ $24.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Wenatchee's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.9), that paycheck buys what $49,480 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, the projected median salary for sterile processing technicians is set at $51,387 in 2026, reflecting the local market's adaptation to the credential-required hiring practices introduced post-2021. The salary range varies significantly from $34,668 at the 10th percentile to $75,949 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the varied experience and qualifications within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected forward, highlight Wenatchee's competitive position in the labor market, with local salaries surpassing the national average by 7.68%. As state registration laws expand, the demand for credentialed technicians, including those holding certifications such as CRCST and advanced designations, is likely to increase.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,668 | $16.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,232 | $19.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,387 | $24.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,845 | $32.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,949 | $36.52 |
Median Salary Position
7.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, WA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,281 (2026 est.). At $51,387, the local median is 7.68% above the national median of $47,724.
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At 40 hours/week in Wenatchee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wenatchee Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Wenatchee median: $51,387/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wenatchee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $48,070 | +6.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +7.68% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $51,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 6.90% above the Washington state average of $48,070.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wenatchee has a cost of living 3.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wenatchee, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.855 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,387 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,480 — a 3.71% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,570
2025 BLS Actual
$49,306
2026 Current Est.
$51,387
2019–2027 Growth
+28.8%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wenatchee metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 18.6% from $41,570 (2019) to $49,306 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,985 (28.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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) | $34,668 – $41,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,232 – $51,387 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,387 – $66,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,845 – $75,949 |
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 Wenatchee
In terms of local job dynamics, there are currently 30 sterile processing technicians employed in Wenatchee, indicating a stable yet competitive job market. With a cost of living index of 103.855, professionals in this area must consider how living expenses affect their take-home pay. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers typically offer the highest wages, especially for technicians who are equipped with multiple credentials like the CRCST, CIS, and CER. The disparity in compensation levels arises from factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight duties, and the trauma center designation of some facilities, which can elevate pay considerably. To maximize earning potential, candidates should seek additional certifications, pursue supervisory roles, or consider work in high-demand environments such as ambulatory surgery centers to benefit from the higher end of the salary spectrum.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 $49,306 for sterile processing techniciansin the Wenatchee 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, 5-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