Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $19.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Bloomington, IL runs $19.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,571 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,947 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bloomington, Illinois, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.99 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This difference in pay indicates potential challenges for these technicians working within the local healthcare environment, which predominantly includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical practices. For part-time workers, typically averaging three days a week, this hourly rate translates to roughly $31,000 annually, providing a solid income though not without its limitations. The hourly range extends from $16.89 for entry-level positions to $22.90 for seasoned professionals, reflecting both experience and proficiency. Knowing these figures supports informed career decisions for those entering the field or considering flexible work as per diem sterile processing technicians, where shifting standards dictate competitive compensation rates.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.89 | $135.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.85 | $142.82 |
| Median (P50) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.34 | $178.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.90 | $183.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $19.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.99/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,578 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,987. With a cost-of-living index of 93.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $799.58 | $3,465 | $41,578 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $479.75 | $2,079 | $24,947 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $319.83 | $1,386 | $16,631 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Bloomington) | $19.99 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $41,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.89% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.50% below the Illinois state average of $43,079.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.99/hr = $24,947/year (purchasing power: $26,670).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,578/year (purchasing power: $44,451).
CoL index: 93.537 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bloomington grew 19.1% from $16.10/hr (2019) to $19.18/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.83/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
For those considering part-time work as sterile processing technicians, earnings from a 24-hour work week offer a glimpse into feasible annual income versus a full-time salary. While full-time technicians may see a more stable and consistent paycheck, those opting for part-time or per-diem opportunities can often earn between $22 and $32 per hour, with specialized roles like certified endoscope reprocessors commanding rates from $28 to $40 in agency settings. Particularly after the healthcare demands intensified post-2020, travel contracts have emerged, yielding weekly pay upwards of $1,000-$1,500 for those fulfilling critical roles in high-need areas. Hourly rates tend to vary depending on the employer type, with hospital positions generally offering a steadier income as opposed to the more variable pay structures found with contracting or agency jobs. Quality negotiations can also lead to benefits trade-offs, as some technicians may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks, while those without such benefits may prioritize higher pay without a safety net. Understanding the local job market dynamics can empower technicians in Bloomington, IL, as they assess their career options in the evolving sterile processing sector.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bloomington in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Bloomington?
Are sterile processing technicians in Bloomington paid hourly or salary?
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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 Bloomington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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