Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $19.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Jonesboro, AR runs $19.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,218 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those pursuing a career as a sterile processing technician in Jonesboro, the median hourly pay is projected to be $19.41 in 2026. This rate is quite competitive when compared to the national average of $22.94, highlighting a regional adjustment in compensation reflecting the cost of living in AR. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this translates to a weekly income of around $585, which can be quite appealing for individuals seeking to balance work with other commitments. The pay range in Jonesboro spans from $14.85 for entry-level positions to $28.67 for seasoned professionals. Positions typically found in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized practices contribute to these figures, emphasizing the integral role of sterile processing technicians in healthcare settings.
About the Jonesboro Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.85 | $118.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.07 | $128.57 |
| Median (P50) | $19.41 | $155.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.04 | $192.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.67 | $229.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $19.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.41/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,287. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $776.23 | $3,364 | $40,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $465.74 | $2,018 | $24,218 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.49 | $1,345 | $16,146 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Jonesboro) | $19.41 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $40,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $39,802.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.41/hr = $24,218/year (purchasing power: $27,869).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,364/year (purchasing power: $46,449).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Jonesboro grew 27.4% from $14.61/hr (2019) to $18.62/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.22/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
Analysis of part-time positions reveals that a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week would typically earn around $30,195 annually, a figure that demonstrates the trade-off some may consider when opting for limited hours versus full-time employment, which offers a more substantial income. A per diem sterile processing technician in Jonesboro can command between $22 and $32 per hour, significantly enhancing earning potential, particularly for those certified in endoscope reprocessing—who may see rates between $28 and $40 per hour. Variability in rates depending on employer type adds another layer, as technicians in hospitals may receive lower pay compared to those in private surgical centers or through agencies. For many, the decision to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance can be a strategic choice. It's wise for those in the field to negotiate effectively, aiming for a balance that aligns their professional goals with financial needs, especially in a market where skills and credential stacking are increasingly valued.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro. 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 Jonesboro 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