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Sterilization Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Sterilization Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sterilization Engineer I in the United States is $63,944 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Sterilization Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,882
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,714 to $68,099
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,952
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Sterilization Engineer I Salaries

A Sterilization Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Sterilization Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Sterilization Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $63,554
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $64,068
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $64,998
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $65,184
  • Expert (over 8 years): $65,308
Levels Salary
Entry Level Sterilization Engineer I$63,554
Intermediate Level Sterilization Engineer I$64,068
Senior Level Sterilization Engineer I$64,998
Specialist Level Sterilization Engineer I$65,184
Expert Level Sterilization Engineer I$65,308
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How Do Sterilization Engineer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Sterilization Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,799.
  • California: $70,530.
  • Massachusetts: $69,590.

Top Paying Cities for Sterilization Engineer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $80,653
  • San Francisco: $79,770
  • Oakland: $78,088

Sterilization Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Sterilization Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,460. While startup companies pay approximate $60,448.

Sterilization Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,448
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,930
Established 501~5000 $69,004
Enterprise 5000+ $71,460

Sterilization Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Sterilization Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Retail & Wholesale and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Sterilization Engineer positions in Software & Networking or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sterilization Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Sterilization Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale$95,916$46.050%
Construction$89,522$43.040%
Insurance$86,324$42.035%
Business Services$83,127$40.030%
Healthcare$79,930$38.025%

Sterilization Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Sterilization Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$58,714
Average $63,944/year
$68,099
$4,893
Average $5,329/month
$5,675
$1,129
Average $1,230/week
$1,310
$28
Average $31/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,099 $5,675 $1,310 $33
Average $63,944 $5,329 $1,230 $31
25th Percentile $58,714 $4,893 $1,129 $28

Sterilization Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Sterilization Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Sterilization Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Sterilization Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,562 - a projected growth of 46% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Sterilization Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Sterilization Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Sterilization Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Sterilization Engineer I

1. Where can a Sterilization Engineer I earn the most?

A Sterilization Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Sterilization Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Sterilization Engineer I is $80,653.

2. What is the highest pay for Sterilization Engineer I?

The highest pay for Sterilization Engineer I is $71,882.

3. What is the lowest pay for Sterilization Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Sterilization Engineer I is $53,952.

4. What are the responsibilities of Sterilization Engineer I?

Develops and supports sterilization processes to ensure manufactured products meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Designs, validates, and maintains sterilization processes using methods such as steam, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, or radiation. Performs process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ in accordance with regulatory and quality standards. Analyzes sterilization data and investigates process deviations, nonconformances, and corrective actions. Collaborates with manufacturing, quality, and product development teams to support new product introductions and process changes. Maintains technical documentation, protocols, and reports to ensure compliance with internal procedures and external regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Sterilization Engineer I?

The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Sterilization Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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