Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $23.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Elgin, IL runs $23.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,927 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $23.18, slightly higher than the national median of $22.94 per hour. This competitive rate allows both part-time technicians and per-diem workers to thrive in various medical settings, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized clinics. For technicians working three days a week, earning $23.18 means a take-home pay of approximately $1,865 per month before taxes. The hourly pay range spans from $17.93 for entry-level positions to $34.89 for seasoned professionals, reflecting a growing demand for skilled technicians in an increasingly credentialed field. As the industry evolves, with credential stacking such as CRCST, CIS, and CER becoming more common, individuals entering or advancing in the profession must navigate these financial opportunities carefully.
About the Elgin 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) | $17.93 | $143.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.99 | $151.91 |
| Median (P50) | $23.18 | $185.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.97 | $231.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.89 | $279.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $23.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.18/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,814. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $927.14 | $4,018 | $48,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $556.28 | $2,411 | $28,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.86 | $1,607 | $19,285 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Elgin) | $23.18 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $48,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 12.00% above the Illinois state average of $43,055.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.18/hr = $28,927/year (purchasing power: $29,791).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,211/year (purchasing power: $49,651).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Elgin grew 27.4% from $17.46/hr (2019) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.16/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
Part-time sterile processing technicians can clearly see the financial benefits of flexible scheduling, as 24 hours of work a week translates to an annual income of around $22,380, making it an attractive option for those balancing other responsibilities. Per diem opportunities also offer variable earnings; common rates for these positions can range between $22 and $32 per hour, with those holding additional endoscope reprocessing certifications earning even more—$28 to $40 hourly in agency placements. The increasing frequency of travel contracts, where technicians might earn between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly, indicates a strong demand in this market. However, hourly rates may differ significantly based on employment type, with hospitals typically offering better benefits than smaller practices or third-party service providers. It is vital for technicians negotiating pay in Elgin to consider their need for health insurance versus the allure of higher hourly wages in positions without benefits, ensuring they make choices that align with both their professional goals and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Elgin in 2026?
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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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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