Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Gainesville, FL: $21.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Gainesville, FL runs $21.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,820 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gainesville, Florida, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly pay of $21.49, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate reflects the value placed on these professionals who work in various settings, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For those in part-time or per-diem roles, earning a steady paycheck while working three days a week translates to a manageable income. The hourly pay ranges from $15.74 for entry-level positions to $31.08 for experienced technicians, indicating a broad spectrum of compensation based on proficiency and specialization.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.74 | $125.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.33 | $138.65 |
| Median (P50) | $21.49 | $171.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.12 | $208.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.08 | $248.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $21.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.49/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, FL can expect to earn approximately $44,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,788. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $859.61 | $3,725 | $44,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.76 | $2,235 | $26,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.84 | $1,490 | $17,880 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Gainesville) | $21.49 |
| 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 Gainesville, FL earn a median of $44,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.35% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.30% above the Florida state average of $43,688.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.49/hr = $26,820/year (purchasing power: $26,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,700/year (purchasing power: $44,345).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gainesville grew 27.4% from $16.18/hr (2019) to $20.62/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.40/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Looking at the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians, working a 24-hour week would yield an impressive annual income, particularly when considering the option for per-diem roles that range considerably in rates. Per-diem sterile processing technician pay in Gainesville can vary from $22 to $32 per hour, with CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors potentially making between $28 and $40 per hour in agency placements. Furthermore, navigating employment at different facilities could substantially affect earnings, as hospitals may offer guaranteed hours and benefits that are often traded off for higher hourly rates in private practices or third-party service providers. Given the recent market shifts after 2020, travel SPD contracts have emerged, offering lucrative weekly compensation that attracts many into this sector. To maximize earnings, technicians should engage actively during negotiations, especially when considering aspects like benefits and work-life balance.
More salary data for Gainesville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Gainesville?
Are sterile processing technicians in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
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Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
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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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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