Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $21.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Tucson, AZ runs $21.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,633 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,781 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $21.46, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate is substantial, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a technician working three days a week in environments like hospital SPD decontamination rooms or endoscope reprocessing units can still earn a competitive income while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly wage ranges from $17.89 for entry-level positions to $27.95 for experienced technicians, reflecting a diverse earning potential within the local job market. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight Tucson's growing demand for sterile processing specialists in various healthcare settings.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.50 | $147.99 |
| Median (P50) | $21.46 | $171.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.71 | $189.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.95 | $223.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $21.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.46/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $44,635 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,751. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.36 | $3,720 | $44,635 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.01 | $2,232 | $26,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.34 | $1,488 | $17,854 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Tucson) | $21.46 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $44,633 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.48% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% below the Arizona state average of $45,130.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.46/hr = $26,781/year (purchasing power: $27,639).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,635/year (purchasing power: $46,064).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tucson grew 18.9% from $17.31/hr (2019) to $20.59/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.36/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Considering the earning potential for both part-time and per-diem positions in Tucson adds another layer of complexity to the sterile processing technician hourly pay. A technician working a three-day week (around 24 hours) could expect to take home approximately $25,175 annually, significantly less than a full-time position. Per-diem technicians often see wages ranging from $22 to $32 an hour. Furthermore, those with specialized certifications, such as CER credentialing, can command even higher rates, often billed at $28-$40 per hour in agency roles. The salary dynamics often shift depending on the employer type, with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental specialty practices offering varying pay scales. Some technicians choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without such perks, highlighting the need for careful negotiation. Awareness of local trends and the evolving demands of the profession can strongly influence employment decisions in the Tucson area.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tucson in 2026?
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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 Tucson. 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