Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Rome, GA: $20.53 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Rome, GA runs $20.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,623 per year.

$42,708
Median Annual Salary
$20.53/hr
Hourly Rate
$34,322
Entry Level (P10)
$60,436
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Rome, Georgia, the expected sterile processing technician hourly pay is set at $20.53, which positions it below the national hourly median of $22.94. This rate can impact part-time and per-diem workers significantly. Those who work three days a week can expect a steady income while filling essential roles in various healthcare settings, such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, or in ambulatory surgery centers focused on instrument processing. The hourly range for this profession in Rome extends from approximately $16.50 for entry-level positions to around $29.06 for the most experienced technicians. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries, reflecting the growing demand for technicians proficient in sterile processes, especially as healthcare facilities continue to emphasize the importance of credentialing and standardized training.

About the Rome Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$16.50$131.98
Lower Range (P25)$17.49$139.90
Median (P50)$20.53$164.25
Upper Range (P75)$24.83$198.60
Top Earners (P90)$29.06$232.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome

Based on $20.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Rome earning $20.53/hr would make approximately $24,638 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $42,705 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$24,638Reduced (32 hr/wk)$32,850Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$42,705

At $20.53/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, GA can expect to earn approximately $42,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,638. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rome.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$164.25
per 8hr shift
$821.25
per week
$3,559
per month
$42,705
per year

Schedule Comparison in Rome

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$821.25$3,559$42,705
Part-Time (24 hrs)$492.75$2,135$25,623
Per Diem (16 hrs)$328.50$1,424$17,082

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Rome)$20.53
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 Rome ($42,708) with Georgia average ($44,815) and the US national median ($47,724).Rome$42,708Georgia Avg$44,815-4.70%US National$47,724-10.51%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Rome, GA earn a median of $42,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.51% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $44,815.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $20.53/hr = $25,623/year (purchasing power: $27,522).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,705/year (purchasing power: $45,870).

CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$15.46/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$19.70/hr

2026 Current Est.

$20.53/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rome (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 Rome. Baseline $15.46/hr in 2025, projected to $21.40/hr by 2027.$14$16$18$21$232019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$15.46$16.02$15.78$17.13$18.70$17.07$19.70$20.53$21.40
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$15.46/hrActual
2020$16.02/hrActual
2021$15.78/hrActual
2022$17.13/hrActual
2023$18.70/hrActual
2024$17.07/hrActual
2025$19.70/hrActual
2026(current)$20.53/hrEstimated
2027$21.40/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rome grew 27.4% from $15.46/hr (2019) to $19.70/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.40/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome

When considering part-time work as a sterile processing technician, those putting in 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual take-home amount that differs significantly from full-time salaries. Typically, part-time workers may earn around $26,000 annually, whereas full-timers benefit from higher overall earnings. In the realm of per diem positions, sterile processing technicians often command higher rates, ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, especially for specialized roles such as CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors, who may garner $28 to $40 per hour in temporary placements. Furthermore, hourly pay varies by employer type in Rome; hospitals may offer different compensations compared to large multi-doctor dental practices or third-party sterile processing services. Those employed in hospital environments may accept slightly lower wages for the security of benefits, presenting a trade-off that job seekers need to consider when negotiating their pay. For optimal results, technicians in Rome should come prepared with market research to advocate for fair compensation that aligns with their skills and market standards in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rome is $20.53/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $16.50 at entry level (10th percentile) to $29.06 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 10.5% 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 Rome?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Rome earns approximately $2,135/month, or $25,623/year at the median hourly rate of $20.53. 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 Rome paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Rome are paid hourly at a median rate of $20.53/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $42,705/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 Rome?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Rome earns approximately $42,705/year at the median hourly rate of $20.53. This is 10.5% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $60,438/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 Rome?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Rome sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $29.06/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

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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 Rome. 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 Rome 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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