Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $20.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Plainfield, IL runs $20.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, Illinois, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $20.02, which is lower than the national hourly median of $22.94. This rate reflects the entry-level positions and potential earnings for experienced professionals in various settings, including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other facilities dedicated to instrument sterilization and maintenance. Those working three days a week, for instance, can expect a steady income while partaking in crucial roles such as decontamination, assembly, and endoscope reprocessing. The projected hourly pay range in Plainfield varies significantly, from $16.47 for entry-level positions to $28.88 for top earners, enabling a diverse pool of professionals to find suitable opportunities in the local healthcare landscape.
About the Plainfield 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) | $16.47 | $131.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.39 | $139.15 |
| Median (P50) | $20.02 | $160.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.54 | $196.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.88 | $231.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $20.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.02/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,643 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,025. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $800.83 | $3,470 | $41,643 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $480.50 | $2,082 | $24,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.33 | $1,388 | $16,657 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Plainfield) | $20.02 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $41,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.74% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $43,064.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.02/hr = $24,986/year (purchasing power: $25,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,643/year (purchasing power: $42,887).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Plainfield grew 27.4% from $15.08/hr (2019) to $19.21/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.87/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
When considering part-time employment, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours weekly would typically earn about $25,000 annually, a considerable sum when compared to full-time roles. However, many technicians seek per-diem opportunities, which can pay between $22-$32 per hour, especially for roles requiring specialized certifications like Certified Endoscope Reprocessor. These higher rates reflect the demand in the field, with travel SPD contracts paying $1,000-$1,500 weekly in markets facing shortages. Employment settings such as hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and third-party providers often offer varying rates of pay, influenced by organizational benefits and health insurance options. Skilled technicians might opt for lower hourly rates if accompanied by robust benefits, whereas others may prefer higher hourly wages without health coverage. Effective negotiation in hourly pay is vital in this context, allowing technicians in Plainfield to navigate the local job market strategically while advancing their career and maintaining financial stability.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Plainfield?
Are sterile processing technicians in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Plainfield?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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