Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $19.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in DeKalb, IL runs $19.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,869 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be approximately $19.93 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.94, reflecting local economic conditions and the cost of living index in the area, which is slightly below the national average. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a weekly income that supports flexible work arrangements, often in settings like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. The hourly pay can vary, with entry-level positions starting around $16.31, while more experienced technicians or those in specialized roles may earn upwards of $29.25 per hour, highlighting a range that accommodates both novices and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.31 | $130.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.20 | $137.57 |
| Median (P50) | $19.93 | $159.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.56 | $188.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.25 | $234.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $19.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.93/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,912. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $797.07 | $3,454 | $41,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $478.24 | $2,072 | $24,869 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.83 | $1,382 | $16,579 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (DeKalb) | $19.93 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $41,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $43,079.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.93/hr = $24,869/year (purchasing power: $25,611).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,448/year (purchasing power: $42,686).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in DeKalb grew 27.4% from $15.01/hr (2019) to $19.12/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.77/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
Insights into the earning potential for part-time workers reveal the financial implications of working as a sterile processing technician in DeKalb. For instance, a technician working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate might take home significantly less than if they were employed full-time, emphasizing the importance of consistent hours in the profession. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in DeKalb can range from $22 to $32 per hour, with certified endoscope reprocessors seeing rates between $28 to $40 when placed in agency roles. The varying pay rates across different employer types—hospitals, surgical centers, and third-party services—illustrate the trade-offs between higher hourly wages with no benefits versus lower rates that may include health insurance. Understanding these dynamics enables technicians to make informed decisions about their employment situations, particularly as they navigate the need for credentials and registration that have become standard in the field since 2021.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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