Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Gadsden, AL: $16.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Gadsden, 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 Gadsden'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
In Gadsden, Alabama, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $16.68, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $22.94. This pay rate offers an interesting perspective for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who can expect to earn approximately $1,600 monthly for a 24-hour work schedule. This hourly range spans from an entry-level rate of $13.80 to top earners potentially making $24.07 per hour, reflecting the experience and credentialing, especially since many healthcare systems now require certification like CRCST or specialized credentials such as CIS and CER. In various environments like hospital SPD decontamination areas, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms, these rates help form a baseline for financial planning by individuals pursuing careers in sterile processing in Gadsden and beyond.
About the Gadsden 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 Gadsden
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 Gadsden, 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 Gadsden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gadsden
| 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 (Gadsden) | $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 Gadsden, 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
$11.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Gadsden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.61/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 Gadsden grew 37.8% from $11.61/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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden
Evaluating the potential earnings reveals that a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours weekly would take home around $20,800 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per-diem opportunities for sterile processing technicians can vary widely, with some positions billing between $22 to $32 per hour, while specialized roles like CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can see hourly wages rise to $28-$40, particularly in agency placements. Travel contracts have recently emerged, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, which can be attractive in shortage markets. Hourly rates also differ among employment settings in Gadsden, with hospital SPDs generally offering lower wages compared to specialty surgical centers or third-party processing firms. Technicians often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. For those negotiating job offers, emphasizing certification and willingness to take on specialized roles can enhance earning power within this evolving industry.
More salary data for Gadsden, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gadsden in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Gadsden?
Are sterile processing technicians in Gadsden paid hourly or salary?
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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 Gadsden. 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 Gadsden 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