Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $18.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Iowa City, IA runs $18.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,516 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Working as a sterile processing technician in Iowa City, IA, offers a median hourly pay of $18.84, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This disparity highlights the economic landscape for professionals in this field. With a wage range from $18.84 at the entry-level to approximately $24.78 for top earners, many technicians find opportunities in various settings like hospital sterilization departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and endoscopy reprocessing rooms. For those seeking part-time or per-diem roles, working three days a week could provide an average of 24 hours, enabling technicians to supplement their income while balancing other responsibilities. BLS estimates based on 2025 data, projected to 2026, reflect a growing demand for sterile processing technicians, which may further influence pay rates in the future.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Median (P50) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.78 | $198.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.78 | $198.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $18.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.84/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $39,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,612. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $753.72 | $3,266 | $39,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $452.23 | $1,960 | $23,516 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $301.49 | $1,306 | $15,677 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Iowa City) | $18.84 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $39,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.30% below the Iowa state average of $40,527.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.84/hr = $23,516/year (purchasing power: $25,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,193/year (purchasing power: $42,830).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Iowa City grew 27.4% from $14.19/hr (2019) to $18.08/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.64/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
In terms of earning potential, part-time sterile processing technicians can expect to take home around $23,892 annually when working 24 hours a week. Per-diem roles in Iowa City present a different reality, with payment rates typically between $22 to $32 per hour for general positions, and even higher for specialized technicians proficient in endoscope reprocessing, who may earn $28 to $40 hourly. Employers in the local market, including large hospitals and specialty surgical practices, impact hourly wages significantly. Additionally, many technicians face the decision of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for the stability of health benefits, versus pursuing higher pay from opportunities without benefits. For those seeking positions, demonstrating certifications such as CRCST or CER can enhance negotiating power, especially given the increased focus on credentialing since 2021. As the industry continues to evolve, individuals should remain aware of the dynamics affecting wages and opportunities in sterile processing to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Iowa City 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 Iowa City. 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, 5-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