Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $18.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wichita, KS runs $18.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,775 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $18.25, sterile processing technicians in Wichita, Kansas, earn notably less than the national median of $22.94. This disparity highlights the differing economic landscapes within the healthcare profession, particularly in sterile processing roles across hospitals and surgical centers. For part-time workers, such as those at three days a week, this rate translates to about $720 monthly before taxes, while per-diem workers in the sector often find opportunities in various environments, from decontamination areas to endoscope reprocessing rooms, though at potentially higher pay depending on the employer. The hourly wage range stretches from $16.00 for entry-level positions to around $24.17 for experienced technicians, reflecting a significant pay scale that recognizes both skill and seniority.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.00 | $127.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.29 | $138.32 |
| Median (P50) | $18.25 | $145.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.95 | $175.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.17 | $193.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $18.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.25/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $37,958 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,899. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $729.96 | $3,163 | $37,958 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.97 | $1,898 | $22,775 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.98 | $1,265 | $15,183 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wichita) | $18.25 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $37,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.48% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 8.90% below the Kansas state average of $41,657.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.25/hr = $22,775/year (purchasing power: $25,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,958/year (purchasing power: $42,675).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wichita grew 15.8% from $15.12/hr (2019) to $17.51/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.02/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
The financial dynamics for sterile processing technicians extend beyond standard hourly rates, especially for those choosing part-time or per-diem roles. A typical three-day week in this field results in an annual take-home pay of roughly $17,280, a figure modest compared to full-time earnings. In contrast, per diem placements can significantly change earning potential; many technicians secure rates of $22 to $32 per hour, while those with additional certifications like CER can command between $28 and $40 per hour. Moreover, opportunities in travel contracts frequently offer lucrative weekly payments ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, especially in high-demand markets due to workforce shortages. When considering employment options, technicians in Wichita may also weigh the benefits—jobs with comprehensive health insurance typically offer lower hourly wages, while higher pay positions often lack substantial benefits. Negotiation tactics such as highlighting specialized credentials or willingness to work less desirable shifts could enhance hourly pay in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wichita in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. 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