Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $20.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Melbourne, FL runs $20.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, Florida, the projected hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $20.45, which is notably below the national median of $22.94. This hourly wage provides an interesting perspective for those considering part-time roles in the field, such as working three days a week. With shifts primarily in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized instrument reprocessing areas, these positions not only offer flexibility but also the potential for consistent income. The hourly range for professionals in this industry varies widely, with entry-level technicians earning around $15.62, while top earners can see rates reaching up to $29.43. Such variability reflects the demands and responsibilities that come with experience and specialized certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER.
About the Melbourne 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) | $15.62 | $124.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.91 | $135.32 |
| Median (P50) | $20.45 | $163.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.87 | $198.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.43 | $235.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $20.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.45/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $42,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,538. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $817.92 | $3,544 | $42,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.75 | $2,127 | $25,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.17 | $1,418 | $17,013 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Melbourne) | $20.45 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $42,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.88% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.70% below the Florida state average of $43,711.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.45/hr = $25,519/year (purchasing power: $25,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,532/year (purchasing power: $42,194).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Melbourne grew 27.4% from $15.40/hr (2019) to $19.62/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.31/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
For part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week, annual income can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. While full-time technicians might earn salaries reflective of their higher weekly hours, part-time workers can take home a respectable amount, allowing them to balance work-life commitments. In the per-diem realm, sterile processing technician pay in Melbourne can reach between $22 to $32 per hour, with CER-credentialed professionals sometimes earning $28 to $40 in agency roles. These per diem opportunities have gained traction, especially following recent staffing shortages. It's important to recognize that hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer type; hospitals may provide more stable employment with benefits, whereas third-party providers often offer higher pay but fewer perks. As professionals negotiate their hourly rates, understanding the local market dynamics and the benefits trade-offs can empower them to make informed career choices in sterile processing.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Melbourne?
Are sterile processing technicians in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Melbourne?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Melbourne?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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