Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $18.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Waukee, IA runs $18.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,256 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is $18.63. When compared to the national median hourly rate of $22.94, it reflects a significant regional pay gap that influences employment dynamics in the area. For those working part-time—say, three days a week in positions found within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or endoscope reprocessing rooms—the average weekly earnings can provide a stable supplement to other income sources. Entry-level technicians typically earn around $14.89 per hour, while experienced professionals in the field can reach up to $25.03 hourly, depending on their skills and the demand for specialized credentials, like the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) designation.
About the Waukee 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) | $14.89 | $119.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.78 | $126.23 |
| Median (P50) | $18.63 | $149.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.85 | $174.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.03 | $200.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $18.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.63/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $38,760 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,361. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $745.38 | $3,230 | $38,760 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.23 | $1,938 | $23,256 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.15 | $1,292 | $15,504 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Waukee) | $18.63 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $38,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.77% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $40,510.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.63/hr = $23,256/year (purchasing power: $25,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,760/year (purchasing power: $42,876).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Waukee grew 27.4% from $14.03/hr (2019) to $17.88/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.42/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
Considering the earning potential for part-time professionals, those working 24 hours a week as sterile processing technicians may see a substantial difference in annual take-home pay compared to full-time staff. With per diem positions commonly billing between $22 and $32 an hour, and CER-certified endoscope reprocessors earning as much as $40 hourly in agency work, the variability can be significant. Employment settings in Waukee influence hourly compensation; for example, hospitals may offer more comprehensive benefits while possibly providing a lower hourly rate compared to private specialty surgical centers or third-party providers focused on flexible options. This creates a trade-off, as some technicians may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, while others value job security and health care coverage over pay. Negotiating for better pay can be advantageous in Waukee, and emphasizing skills, certifications, and experience can improve outcomes in employment discussions.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Waukee in 2026?
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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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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