Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $18.69 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $18.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,862 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,321 per year.

$38,862
Median Annual Salary
$18.69/hr
Hourly Rate
$29,486
Entry Level (P10)
$56,663
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Pine Bluff, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pine Bluff, AR sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is $18.69, which falls short of the national average of $22.94. This difference may influence those considering part-time and per-diem opportunities in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty practices. A technician working three days a week, for example, would typically find that their hourly rate translates to a modest annual income, with the balance sometimes tipping in favor of flexibility and lifestyle over earning potential. The estimated hourly range for this profession in Pine Bluff varies from $14.17 at entry-level positions to $27.24 for those reaching the top tier of earners.

About the Pine Bluff Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$14.17$113.39
Lower Range (P25)$15.31$122.48
Median (P50)$18.69$149.49
Upper Range (P75)$23.13$185.01
Top Earners (P90)$27.24$217.94

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff

Based on $18.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Pine Bluff earning $18.69/hr would make approximately $22,424 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $38,868 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$22,424Reduced (32 hr/wk)$29,899Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$38,868

At $18.69/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $38,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,424. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$149.49
per 8hr shift
$747.47
per week
$3,239
per month
$38,868
per year

Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$747.47$3,239$38,868
Part-Time (24 hrs)$448.48$1,943$23,321
Per Diem (16 hrs)$298.99$1,296$15,547

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Pine Bluff)$18.69
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Pine Bluff ($38,862) with Arkansas average ($39,817) and the US national median ($47,724).Pine Bluff$38,862Arkansas Avg$39,817-2.40%US National$47,724-18.57%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $38,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.57% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $39,817.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $18.69/hr = $23,321/year (purchasing power: $26,837).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,868/year (purchasing power: $44,728).

CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$14.07/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$17.93/hr

2026 Current Est.

$18.69/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pine Bluff (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff. Baseline $14.07/hr in 2025, projected to $19.48/hr by 2027.$13$15$17$19$212019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$14.07$14.58$14.37$15.59$17.02$13.87$17.93$18.69$19.48
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$14.07/hrActual
2020$14.58/hrActual
2021$14.37/hrActual
2022$15.59/hrActual
2023$17.02/hrActual
2024$13.87/hrActual
2025$17.93/hrActual
2026(current)$18.69/hrEstimated
2027$19.48/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff grew 27.4% from $14.07/hr (2019) to $17.93/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.48/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pine Bluff metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Pine Bluff

Part-time sterile processing technicians can expect their annual earnings to reflect their reduced hours compared to full-time positions. For instance, working 24 hours a week results in a take-home that solidifies the need for careful financial planning. Per diem work presents a different earning paradigm where some technicians can command rates between $22 and $32 per hour, especially those with specialized credentials such as the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor. In Pine Bluff, hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the employing entity; hospitals may offer stable positions with benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers or third-party providers might provide higher compensation in exchange for less job security and no health insurance. As such, professionals in this field must navigate these choices thoughtfully, weighing the hourly rate against benefits when considering their next career move, especially in a market where agency pay is increasingly attractive. For those pursuing hourly positions in Pine Bluff, being skilled in negotiation can provide leverage, especially when understanding local pay practices and the value placed on credential stacking such as CRCST and CER certifications in this evolving industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff is $18.69/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $14.17 at entry level (10th percentile) to $27.24 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 18.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Pine Bluff?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Pine Bluff earns approximately $1,943/month, or $23,321/year at the median hourly rate of $18.69. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff are paid hourly at a median rate of $18.69/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $38,868/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Pine Bluff?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Pine Bluff earns approximately $38,868/year at the median hourly rate of $18.69. This is 18.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $56,666/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Pine Bluff?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Pine Bluff sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $27.24/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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