Best Sterile Processing Tech Programs in New Orleans, Louisiana (2026)

Updated May 26, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

New Orleans sits within the Louisiana sterile processing technician workforce, served by accredited training providers. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $35,960 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

New Orleans Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$35,960BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment620 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
Orleans County establishments20BLS QCEW, 2024
Orleans County unemployment rate4.9%BLS LAUS, 2024
Louisiana location quotient0.64BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to New Orleans. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Orleans County and Louisiana figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.

Sterile Processing Tech Programs near New Orleans

Sterile Processing Tech Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $47,700 $22.93 per hour
Job Outlook 10.1% 7,700 jobs (2024–2034)
10,900 openings/yr
Data Year: 2025 SOC: 31-9093 Source: BLS OEWS

Training & Certification Steps in Louisiana

  1. Complete an accredited or state-approved Sterile Processing Technician program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).
  2. Build hands-on experience through labs, clinicals, or supervised practice as required in your state.
  3. Prepare for any required certification or licensing exams and keep up with continuing education.

Tips for Choosing a Program

  • Confirm the curriculum aligns with employer expectations and any national certification you plan to pursue.
  • Compare schedules. many schools near New Orleans offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options.
  • Ask about clinical, lab, or externship placements and how they are arranged.
  • Review program outcomes, career support services, and available tuition assistance. Individual outcomes may vary.

Sterile-Processing-Tech Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $47,700 $22.93/hr
Average Salary $50,510 $24.28/hr

Salary Range

$36,410 10th pctl
$47,700 Median
$69,950 90th pctl
10th Percentile $36,410 $17.50/hr
25th Percentile $39,800 $19.13/hr
75th Percentile $58,570 $28.16/hr
90th Percentile $69,950 $33.63/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed77,420
Growth (2024-2034)10.1%
Annual Openings10,900
Jobs per 1,0000.5

Medical Equipment Preparers (31-9093) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.