Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $20.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wheeling, IL runs $20.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,220 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, the projected hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in 2026 sits at $20.21, which falls below the national hourly median of $22.94. This disparity highlights the unique dynamics of the local job market, particularly in the healthcare sector. For part-time technicians working three days a week in various environments—such as hospital SPD decontamination rooms or ambulatory surgery centers—this hourly rate translates into a reliable source of income while maintaining a balanced schedule. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $16.39 per hour, while experienced professionals might command as much as $29.47 per hour in Wheeling, revealing a substantial potential for advancement in pay as one gains experience and credentials.
About the Wheeling 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) | $16.39 | $131.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.35 | $138.82 |
| Median (P50) | $20.21 | $161.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.01 | $200.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.47 | $235.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $20.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.21/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $42,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,250. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $808.33 | $3,503 | $42,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $485.00 | $2,102 | $25,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.33 | $1,401 | $16,813 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wheeling) | $20.21 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $42,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $43,074.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.21/hr = $25,220/year (purchasing power: $25,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,033/year (purchasing power: $43,289).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wheeling grew 27.4% from $15.22/hr (2019) to $19.39/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.06/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
On the other hand, the earning potential for sterile processing technicians can vary significantly based on employment arrangements and types of facilities in Wheeling. For those considering a part-time role at 24 hours per week, the annual earnings noticeably differ from that of full-time professionals, as the pay is accrued based on fewer hours worked. Additionally, the per diem or agency opportunities present intriguing alternatives, with rates commonly ranging from $22 to $32 per hour; those certified in endoscope reprocessing may earn even higher, hitting between $28 and $40 per hour in agency placements. It's essential to consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, as some facilities offer lower rates with comprehensive health insurance, while others provide higher pay with no benefits. To maximize earning potential, technicians should tailor their hourly negotiations towards their specific circumstances and market conditions in Wheeling, creating a well-informed strategy that balances income and job security.
More salary data for Wheeling, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Wheeling?
Are sterile processing technicians in Wheeling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Wheeling?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheeling?
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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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