As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Operator in the United States is $41,515 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Sterile Processing Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sterile Processing Operator'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Sterile Processing Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Sterile Processing Operator | $40,744 |
| Intermediate Level Sterile Processing Operator | $41,282 |
| Senior Level Sterile Processing Operator | $42,318 |
| Specialist Level Sterile Processing Operator | $42,459 |
| Expert Level Sterile Processing Operator | $42,695 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Sterile Processing Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sterile Processing Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Sterile Processing Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $38,787 and $41,276.
Sterile Processing Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 81.7% |
| Associates | 9.2% |
| Bachelors | 6.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Sterile Processing Operator'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Sterile Processing Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,232 in 2023 to around $40,198 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sterile Processing Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $40,232 |
| 2024 | $40,333 |
| 2025 | $40,198 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $41,515 | 63.8% |
| Bonus | $2,534 | 3.9% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $3,338 | 5.1% |
| 401K/403B | $1,745 | 2.7% |
| Disability | $873 | 1.3% |
| Healthcare | $6,499 | 10.0% |
| Pension | $2,400 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $6,210 | 9.5% |
| Total Compensation | $65,113 | 100% |
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