Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Pewaukee, WI: $45,073 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Pewaukee, WI earns a median $45,073/year (≈ $21.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Pewaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the expected median annual salary for sterile processing technicians stands at $45,073 in 2026, indicating a slight variance from the national median of $47,724. The salary range for this role in the area stretches from $35,905 at the 10th percentile to $60,074 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the evolving landscape of sterile processing since the hiring shift towards credential-required positions began post-2021. With hospitals and surgical centers increasingly prioritizing qualified candidates, the market has seen a responsive adaptation to these standards in Pewaukee.
About the Pewaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,905 | $17.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,935 | $18.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,073 | $21.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,669 | $25.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,074 | $28.88 |
Median Salary Position
5.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pewaukee
In Pewaukee, WI, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,169 (2026 est.). At $45,073, the local median is 5.55% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pewaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pewaukee Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Pewaukee median: $45,073/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pewaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,296 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.55% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Pewaukee, WI earn a median of $45,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.55% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pewaukee has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pewaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $45,073 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,258 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,946
2025 BLS Actual
$43,248
2026 Current Est.
$45,073
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,946 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,653 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,073 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pewaukee metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,946 (2019) to $43,248 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,029 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pewaukee 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) | $35,905 – $37,935 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,935 – $45,073 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,073 – $53,669 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,669 – $60,074 |
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 Pewaukee
Job opportunities for sterile processing technicians in Pewaukee, with just four currently employed in the area, indicate a niche market that balances competition and specialization. The cost-of-living index of 93.4 suggests that while salaries may lag slightly behind national averages, purchasing power remains stable, allowing residents to access essential goods and services affordably. Hospitals typically offer the highest pay in Pewaukee, particularly those with busy sterile processing departments that require rapid turnaround, especially for evening or overnight procedures. Growth in earnings can be achieved through credential stacking, such as obtaining certifications like the CRCST, CIS, and CER. Those looking to advance their pay should also seek roles in trauma centers or supervisory positions, where higher pay scales are often justified by the increased complexity and responsibility involved.
More salary data for Pewaukee, WI:
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 $43,248 for sterile processing techniciansin the Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee 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