Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $24.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wilmington, DE runs $24.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,748 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $24.64, which is notably above the national median of $22.94 per hour. This competitive hourly rate offers both full-time and part-time opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time technicians working approximately three days a week, earning this median hourly pay can result in a steady income while still allowing flexibility. Entry-level positions in Wilmington start at $18.59 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $35.11 per hour, reflecting a wide range of potential earnings based on skill and credentialing, particularly as the industry increasingly emphasizes certification, including the HSPA standards.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.59 | $148.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.21 | $161.67 |
| Median (P50) | $24.64 | $197.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.83 | $238.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.11 | $280.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $24.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.64/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $51,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,565. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.50 | $4,271 | $51,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.30 | $2,562 | $30,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.20 | $1,708 | $20,498 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wilmington) | $24.64 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $51,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $50,400.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.64/hr = $30,748/year (purchasing power: $30,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,246/year (purchasing power: $50,390).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wilmington grew 27.4% from $18.56/hr (2019) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.68/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Considering part-time work in Wilmington, a sterile processing technician working a typical 24-hour week can expect to bring home around $30,774 annually, which contrasts with the earnings of full-time employees. Per-diem opportunities are an attractive option for many professionals, especially given the current demand; SPD techs may bill anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command rates of $28 to $40 in agency roles. Furthermore, travel contracts have gained popularity, offering pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per week in areas experiencing workforce shortages. The salary variations are often tied to the type of facility, with hospitals generally offering more stability, including healthcare benefits, which can be advantageous for those prioritizing job security. In negotiations, conveying the value of certifications like CRCST or CIS can help candidates position themselves for better hourly rates while weighing the trade-offs of accepting lower wages for comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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