Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Flagstaff, AZ: $21.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Flagstaff, AZ runs $21.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Flagstaff's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,430 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flagstaff's sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected at $21.18 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $22.94 per hour. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week could mean a steady income in a supportive healthcare environment, particularly in hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms or ambulatory surgery centers. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $16.62 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $30.98 per hour. The city’s cost of living index is currently below the national average, which can be a significant factor when evaluating hourly rates. This pay range illustrates the potential for sterile processing technicians in Flagstaff, highlighting opportunities for career progression with credentialing, especially following the push for certified roles since 2021.
About the Flagstaff Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.62 | $132.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.85 | $142.82 |
| Median (P50) | $21.18 | $169.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.12 | $208.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.98 | $247.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flagstaff
Based on $21.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.18/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flagstaff, AZ can expect to earn approximately $44,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,413. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flagstaff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flagstaff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.10 | $3,671 | $44,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.26 | $2,202 | $26,430 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.84 | $1,468 | $17,620 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Flagstaff) | $21.18 |
| 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 Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $44,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $45,140.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.18/hr = $26,430/year (purchasing power: $26,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,049/year (purchasing power: $44,720).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Flagstaff grew 27.4% from $15.95/hr (2019) to $20.32/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.07/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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff
In a part-time capacity, a sterile processing technician working just 24 hours a week can expect to bring home a considerably different annual salary than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the financial flexibility such positions can offer. Per-diem roles are particularly lucrative in this field, with many technicians billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with specialized certifications like the CER often find themselves on higher pay scales ranging from $28 to $40 per hour in agency roles. In Flagstaff, pay rates can vary widely depending on the employer, with hospitals generally offering more stability but possibly lower rates compared to third-party sterile processing service providers or specialty surgical centers. While some may choose positions that provide health benefits at a lower hourly rate, others opt for higher pay without health insurance, reflecting a trend in workforce preferences. For negotiating better offers, technicians are encouraged to highlight their credentials, particularly if they are HSPA certified, to maximize their hourly compensation.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Flagstaff in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Flagstaff?
Are sterile processing technicians in Flagstaff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Flagstaff?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Flagstaff?
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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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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