Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $22.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Indianapolis, IN runs $22.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,782 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

For sterile processing technicians in Indianapolis, the average hourly pay stands at $22.26, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate positions local technicians competitively within the field, especially in settings like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized facilities. For part-time workers typically engaged three days a week in various roles—such as decontamination, assembly, or endoscope reprocessing—this hourly payroll can translate into earnings that enhance their financial stability. The hourly range in Indianapolis varies significantly, from about $18.05 for entry-level positions to $29.48 for experienced technicians, reflecting the skills and credentials required in this evolving sector.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.05 | $144.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.30 | $154.41 |
| Median (P50) | $22.26 | $178.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.73 | $189.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.48 | $235.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $22.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.26/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $46,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,714. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.46 | $3,859 | $46,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.27 | $2,315 | $27,782 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.18 | $1,543 | $18,521 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Indianapolis) | $22.26 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $46,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.98% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.70% above the Indiana state average of $45,087.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.26/hr = $27,782/year (purchasing power: $29,032).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,304/year (purchasing power: $48,386).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Indianapolis grew 19.3% from $17.91/hr (2019) to $21.36/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.20/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
When considering a part-time schedule, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay can expect an annual income that is substantially less than their full-time counterparts but still reasonable given their work-life balance goals. Per diem and contract technicians can command varied rates; typically, these professionals bill between $22 and $32 per hour, with those specializing in endoscope reprocessing potentially earning even more, up to $40 per hour. Different employer types in Indianapolis, such as hospitals and third-party service providers, may influence hourly earnings due to their distinct pay structures and benefits. While some workers may prefer lower hourly rates for employer-sponsored health insurance, others are drawn to higher rates without benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in employment choices. For those seeking to negotiate their pay in Indianapolis, understanding regional salary standards and articulating specialized skills can provide leverage for better compensation in this essential healthcare role.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis. 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, 7-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