Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Palm Coast, FL: $21.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Palm Coast, FL runs $21.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Palm Coast's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,221 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palm Coast, Florida, the sterile processing technician hourly rate is projected to be $21.01 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate can be quite attractive for those seeking part-time positions, where working three days a week could yield around $1,008 monthly. The hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in this area span from $15.61 for entry-level roles to $31.80 for experienced professionals, illustrating a substantial earning potential based on experience and skill level. Additionally, many workers in this field find employment in dynamic environments such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers, where the demand for skilled personnel remains high. Considering the hourly earnings reflect estimated annual salaries, these figures provide a solid benchmark for the financial expectations of those entering or advancing in the profession.
About the Palm Coast 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) | $15.61 | $124.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.06 | $136.49 |
| Median (P50) | $21.01 | $168.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.22 | $201.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.80 | $254.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Coast
Based on $21.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.01/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Coast, FL can expect to earn approximately $43,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,213. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Coast.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Coast
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $840.43 | $3,642 | $43,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $504.26 | $2,185 | $26,221 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $336.17 | $1,457 | $17,481 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Palm Coast) | $21.01 |
| 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 Palm Coast, FL earn a median of $43,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.42% lower than the national median of $47,724.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.01/hr = $26,221/year (purchasing power: $26,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,702/year (purchasing power: $43,356).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Palm Coast (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Palm Coast grew 27.4% from $15.82/hr (2019) to $20.16/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.90/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 Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time workers, a sterile processing technician on a three-day work schedule can anticipate an annual take-home pay that contrasts significantly with a full-time worker. For instance, part-time technicians earning regularly within their hourly range can make around $32,479 yearly, while full-time employees often secure higher salaries. Per diem opportunities in Palm Coast are also a viable choice, with pay rates ranging from $22-$32 per hour, and highly specialized roles, such as those requiring CER certification, commanding even higher wages of $28-$40. Furthermore, the flexibility of contract work, which can yield $1,000-$1,500 weekly for travel positions, highlights the increasing demand for certified technicians. However, technicians must consider how compensation varies across different healthcare settings, such as specialty surgical centers or third-party services, where benefits may differ from hourly pay rates. Negotiating an hourly wage in this market often involves balancing the desire for higher pay against the value of health insurance and other benefits offered in full-time roles, a decision influenced greatly by personal circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Palm Coast, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Palm Coast in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Palm Coast?
Are sterile processing technicians in Palm Coast paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Palm Coast?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Palm Coast?
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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 Palm Coast. 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 Palm Coast 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