Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Florence, AL: $16.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Florence, AL runs $16.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,688 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Florence, Alabama, earn a median hourly pay of $16.68, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This disparity reflects the regional cost of living and job market dynamics, making it vital for those considering employment in this field to evaluate their options carefully. With a broad pay range from $13.80 at the entry level to $24.07 for the most experienced professionals, there are opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work. Many sterile processing techs work in environments like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ASC instrument processing areas, and central instrument delivery routes. As a result, part-time workers, potentially clocking in for three days a week, can still see a decent income, but the lower hourly rate in Florence can impact their overall financial prospects.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.80 | $110.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.51 | $116.06 |
| Median (P50) | $16.68 | $133.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.45 | $163.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.07 | $192.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $16.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.68/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AL can expect to earn approximately $34,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,010. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $667.01 | $2,890 | $34,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $400.20 | $1,734 | $20,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $266.80 | $1,156 | $13,874 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Florence) | $16.68 |
| 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 Florence, AL earn a median of $34,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.32% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $35,871.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.68/hr = $20,811/year (purchasing power: $23,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,684/year (purchasing power: $39,459).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Florence grew 27.4% from $12.56/hr (2019) to $16.00/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.38/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 Florence 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 Florence
Considering the earnings potential for a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week, one could take home about $26,000 annually, a significant difference when stacked against full-time salaries. For those willing to engage as per-diem technicians, the compensation can range from $22 to $32 per hour, with specialized endoscope reprocessors earning higher rates, from $28 to $40 hourly in agency roles. The growth of travel contracts since 2020 has further shifted the pay dynamics, with some traveling technicians reportedly making between $1,000 and $1,500 each week. Employers shape these figures; hospital positions may offer steady benefits but lower hourly rates compared to specialty practices or contract jobs. For those negotiating pay, understanding local job market conditions and presenting credential achievements, such as CRCST and CER certifications, can enhance one's position when discussing salaries in Florence.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Florence?
Are sterile processing technicians in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Florence?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Florence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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