Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $18.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Gardner, KS runs $18.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $18.57, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $22.94. This wage reflects the local cost of living, which is below the national average. For part-time workers, those typically scheduled for three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $18,000 annually for 24 hours of work each week. Entry-level technicians might start at around $15.52 per hour, while more experienced professionals, particularly those in specialized areas like endoscope reprocessing, could earn as much as $26.22 per hour. Given the increasing demand for skilled technicians, positions in settings like hospital SPD decontamination rooms and ambulatories, along with the opportunities for per-diem work, can offer flexible schedules along with competitive pay in the region.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.52 | $124.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.15 | $129.23 |
| Median (P50) | $18.57 | $148.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.57 | $180.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.22 | $209.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $18.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.57/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $38,630 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,286. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $742.88 | $3,219 | $38,630 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $445.73 | $1,931 | $23,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.15 | $1,288 | $15,452 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Gardner) | $18.57 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $38,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.08% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $41,661.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.57/hr = $23,178/year (purchasing power: $25,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,630/year (purchasing power: $42,497).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gardner grew 27.4% from $13.99/hr (2019) to $17.82/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.36/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
Considering the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Gardner, a three-day workweek can provide a stable income, albeit significantly less than what full-time roles yield. Per-diem options are attractive, allowing for hourly earnings between $22 and $32, with those holding additional certifications—like certified endoscope reprocessors—commanding rates that can reach $28 to $40 per hour in agency roles. Additionally, travel contracts have emerged, often slated at $1,000 to $1,500 weekly, highlighting the acute staffing needs in the post-2020 healthcare market. In Gardner, hourly rates can vary based on employer type, where hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and third-party processing services all have differing compensation structures. Therefore, technicians must weigh hourly compensation against benefits like health insurance when considering positions, especially since some may prefer higher hourly rates with limited or no benefits. Negotiation is key; understanding local market rates can empower candidates to secure better pay while leveraging their credentials effectively in discussions.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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