How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 4,520 sterile processing technicians earning a median $46,970 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most sterile processing technicians train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
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Compare Sterile Processing Technician Schools in Texas
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarrant County College District | 60.6 | Contact school for pricing | $50,928 | 29% | Yes* | 109 mi |
| 2 | Dallas College | 60.4 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | Not reported | Yes* | 122 mi |
| 3 | McLennan Community College | 53.3 | Contact school for pricing | $47,348 | Not reported | Yes* | 47 mi |
| 4 | Lee College | 53.0 | Contact school for pricing | $57,434 | Not reported | — | 201 mi |
| 5 | Weatherford College | 51.8 | Contact school for pricing | $59,564 | Not reported | Yes* | 104 mi |
| 6 | Concorde Career College-Dallas | 51.6 | Contact school for pricing | $46,016 | 60% | — | 133 mi |
| 7 | Concorde Career College-San Antonio | 46.8 | Contact school for pricing | $38,757 | 67% | — | 128 mi |
| 8 | Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $38,038 | Not reported | — | 110 mi |
| 9 | Lone Star College System | 42.9 | Contact school for pricing | $52,634 | 20% | Yes* | 157 mi |
| 10 | Fortis Institute | 40.1 | Contact school for pricing | $40,918 | 64% | — | 172 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Texas employs approximately 4,520 sterile processing technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $46,970 1. Nationally, sterile processing technician employment is projected to grow 10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a sterile processing technician in Texas, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Sterile Processing Technician Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Medical Equipment Preparers Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), medical equipment preparers wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 1,270 | $47,270 | $50,170 | $37,230 | $72,700 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 1,210 | $50,300 | $55,060 | $38,140 | $83,180 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 390 | $45,090 | $46,420 | $35,740 | $63,090 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 370 | $49,270 | $53,200 | $38,200 | $75,930 |
| Lubbock | 120 | $39,580 | $43,140 | $32,330 | $59,290 |
| Tyler | 120 | $44,590 | $47,260 | $32,370 | $78,450 |
| El Paso | 90 | $41,620 | $43,790 | $31,390 | $63,380 |
| Corpus Christi | 80 | $36,320 | $38,620 | $31,540 | $48,590 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 80 | $37,990 | $39,260 | $29,730 | $47,150 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 60 | $35,980 | $40,140 | $34,100 | $47,390 |
| Longview | 50 | $35,780 | $39,250 | $31,660 | $45,990 |
| Amarillo | 40 | $45,010 | $42,770 | $32,920 | $55,370 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Texas): $46,970 per year 1
Quick Answers About Becoming A Sterile Processing Technician in Texas
How do I become a sterile processing technician in Texas? Texas does not require a state license for sterile processing technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician). Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Texas? No state license is required, but certifications such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) are expected by most employers.
What do sterile processing technicians earn in Texas? The median annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Texas is $46,970 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,390 and experienced professionals can earn $69,950 or more 1.
Top Metros for Sterile processing technicians in Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest sterile processing technician employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 1,270 | $47,270 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 1,210 | $50,300 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 390 | $45,090 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 370 | $49,270 |
| Lubbock | 120 | $39,580 |
How to Become a Sterile Processing Technician in Texas
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Texas training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Texas that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Texas does not require a statewide license, earn CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Sterile Processing Technician Certification Options in Texas
Texas does not require a state license to work as a sterile processing technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for sterile processing technicians include:
- CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician)
For more information, visit the HSPA - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association 3. Contact training programs in Texas for details on certification preparation courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for sterile processing technicians in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 4,520 sterile processing technicians 1. Nationally, sterile processing technician employment is projected to grow 10.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Texas.
How much do sterile processing technicians earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for sterile processing technicians in Texas is $46,970, which is $480 above the national median of $46,490 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
HSPA - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association: https://myhspa.org/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |