Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $19.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Dubuque, IA runs $19.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,596 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a sterile processing technician in Dubuque, IA, the projected median hourly pay stands at $19.71. This is notably lower than the national hourly median of $22.94, presenting a clear distinction in earnings potential. For part-time workers, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, this equates to approximately $1,884 monthly, certainly a factor to weigh against full-time commitments. The hourly wage for these technicians, who typically work in environments like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms or endoscope reprocessing areas, ranges significantly from $15.01 at the entry level to about $28.99 for the most experienced workers. These figures are based on overall annual salary estimates and give a glimpse into what can be expected in Dubuque’s job market for this profession.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.01 | $120.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.29 | $130.32 |
| Median (P50) | $19.71 | $157.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.39 | $195.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.99 | $231.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $19.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.71/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $40,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,650. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $788.32 | $3,416 | $40,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $472.99 | $2,050 | $24,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.33 | $1,366 | $16,397 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Dubuque) | $19.71 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $41,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.08% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $40,517.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.71/hr = $24,596/year (purchasing power: $27,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,993/year (purchasing power: $45,346).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Dubuque grew 27.4% from $14.84/hr (2019) to $18.91/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.54/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Earning potential varies not only for part-time positions but also for per-diem workers. A per diem sterile processing technician in Dubuque might find themselves billing between $22 and $32 an hour, making this a viable option for those seeking flexibility. For example, those with a CER credential working in agency roles can command between $28 and $40 an hour, showing how specialization can impact pay. Institutions like hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and private dental practices also contribute to the variance in hourly wages, as larger organizations may offer additional benefits that come at the cost of lower hourly pay. Some technicians may accept positions with a lower hourly rate for the security of health insurance and benefits, while others may prioritize higher rates in situations that come without perks. Negotiation becomes crucial in this dynamic market; armed with knowledge of market rates and local wage standards, candidates can better advocate for their worth in Dubuque's evolving sterile processing sector.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Dubuque 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 Dubuque. 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 Dubuque 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