Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $17.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Birmingham, AL runs $17.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,258 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,747 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a sterile processing technician in Birmingham, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay is $17.43 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $22.94. This rate can impact part-time workers. For instance, a technician working three days a week typically takes home around $25,000 annually, which can be attractive for individuals seeking flexible hours in settings like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or third-party service providers. The hourly range in Birmingham for this role starts at $16.43 for entry-level positions and can rise to $23.35 for top earners, reflecting the varied experience levels and responsibilities associated with the work.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.43 | $131.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.85 | $134.82 |
| Median (P50) | $17.43 | $139.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.24 | $161.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.35 | $186.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $17.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.43/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $36,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,911. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $697.02 | $3,020 | $36,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $418.21 | $1,812 | $21,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.81 | $1,208 | $14,498 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Birmingham) | $17.43 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $36,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.03% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% above the Alabama state average of $35,864.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.43/hr = $21,747/year (purchasing power: $23,730).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,245/year (purchasing power: $39,550).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Birmingham grew 14.5% from $14.60/hr (2019) to $16.72/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.16/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham 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.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Birmingham
Examining other earning avenues, per diem sterile processing technician pay in Birmingham often ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, providing an appealing alternative for those looking for flexibility and higher rates without the commitment of a full-time position. Technicians with specialized credentials, such as Certified Endoscope Reprocessors (CER), may command between $28 and $40 per hour, especially in agency placements. Additionally, travel contracts can offer considerable weekly pay, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, which has emerged as an option in markets facing shortages. Workers in different environments, such as specialty surgical centers or dental practices, may find varying pay rates due to employer types. While some may choose lower hourly wages for the security of health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay over benefits. Those in Birmingham should actively negotiate terms, considering their qualifications and local employment trends, to achieve a balance that meets their financial needs.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Birmingham in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Birmingham?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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