Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $21.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Des Moines, IA runs $21.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,015 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians stands at $21.65. This figure is slightly below the national median of $22.94, reflecting specific regional dynamics in the healthcare labor market. For part-time workers, typically those engaged in three-day-a-week schedules, this equates to around $20,000 annually based solely on hours worked. Per-diem professionals operating in various environments—such as hospital SPD decontamination areas, endoscope reprocessing rooms, and operating room setups—can expect hourly rates that generally range from $18.22 at entry-level positions to as high as $28.07 for seasoned technicians. This data, derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, signals diverse earning potentials for sterile processing technicians across varying levels of experience and employment settings.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.22 | $145.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.33 | $146.66 |
| Median (P50) | $21.65 | $173.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.41 | $187.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.07 | $224.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $21.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.65/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,025 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,976. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $865.86 | $3,752 | $45,025 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.52 | $2,251 | $27,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.34 | $1,501 | $18,010 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Des Moines) | $21.65 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $45,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 11.20% above the Iowa state average of $40,506.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.65/hr = $27,015/year (purchasing power: $29,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,025/year (purchasing power: $49,099).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Des Moines grew 39.4% from $14.90/hr (2019) to $20.77/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.56/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Examining the financial realities of sterile processing technicians further highlights interesting disparities in potential earnings. Working three days per week translates to a less stable annual income compared to full-time counterparts; however, this flexibility allows technicians to balance work with personal commitments efficiently. For those looking to maximize earnings, per diem sterile processing technician pay in Des Moines can fall between $22 and $32, with specialized certifications like the CER allowing for even higher rates, averaging $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. With hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and third-party service providers presenting different pay scales and benefits, technicians often weigh the trade-off between higher hourly wages and the security of benefits such as health insurance. Those negotiating pay should consider demonstrating their certifications and adaptability in various SPD environments, thus enhancing their value in this evolving field, especially as credential needs tighten post-2021.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Des Moines?
Are sterile processing technicians in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Des Moines?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Des Moines. 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