Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $17.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $17.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a projected median of $17.27 for the year 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $22.94. This discrepancy highlights the localized economic factors affecting the workforce in the region. For those considering part-time work, such as a 24-hour schedule over three days a week, the earning potential becomes more defined, with shifts primarily taking place in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other specialized medical facilities. Entry-level technicians might earn around $12.82, while those with more experience can reach upwards of $24.48 per hour. This pay spectrum illustrates the differences in responsibilities and expertise within various settings, from standard instrument processing to advanced endoscope reprocessing roles.
About the Tuscaloosa 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) | $12.82 | $102.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.72 | $117.73 |
| Median (P50) | $17.27 | $138.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.77 | $166.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.48 | $195.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $17.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.27/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $35,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,723. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $690.77 | $2,993 | $35,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $414.46 | $1,796 | $21,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $276.31 | $1,197 | $14,368 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Tuscaloosa) | $17.27 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $35,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.73% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $35,851.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.27/hr = $21,552/year (purchasing power: $24,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,920/year (purchasing power: $40,865).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+14.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tuscaloosa grew 5.5% from $15.71/hr (2019) to $16.57/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.00/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
When examining part-time earnings across the career spectrum, a sterile processing technician working three days a week could potentially net around $26,912 annually, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. The per diem sterile processing technician pay in Tuscaloosa often ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, with agency roles for certified endoscope reprocessors commanding even higher rates, at $28 to $40 per hour. Travel contracts have emerged as an attractive option, providing $1,000 to $1,500 per week, particularly post-2020, due to staffing shortages in healthcare. Hourly rates can vary based on the employer type, where hospitals may offer stable shifts with health benefits, while specialty centers might provide higher pay without benefits. For technicians, effectively negotiating these terms can mean opting for a slightly lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance, or seeking positions that offer higher compensation but lack comprehensive benefits. Understanding local market dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions about employment in the field.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Tuscaloosa?
Are sterile processing technicians in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
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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 Tuscaloosa. 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 Tuscaloosa 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