Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $23.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY runs $23.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Louisville/Jefferson County's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,291 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Louisville/Jefferson County, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians stands at a median of $23.47. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $22.94, reflecting the local demand for skilled technicians in healthcare settings. For those considering part-time work—such as three days a week in roles within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or endoscope reprocessing rooms—this hourly rate can translate into a viable income. Technicians working in these environments can expect to earn between $17.00 at entry-level positions and up to $29.06 for more experienced roles. These projections, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight a promising career trajectory for those entering this essential field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.00 | $135.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.38 | $147.08 |
| Median (P50) | $23.47 | $187.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.69 | $229.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.06 | $232.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville/Jefferson County
Based on $23.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.47/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY can expect to earn approximately $48,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,164. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville/Jefferson County
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.81 | $4,068 | $48,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.29 | $2,441 | $29,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.53 | $1,627 | $19,527 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Louisville/Jefferson County) | $23.47 |
| 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $48,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 19.30% above the Kentucky state average of $40,926.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.47/hr = $29,291/year (purchasing power: $31,471).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,818/year (purchasing power: $52,451).
CoL index: 93.074 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 46.8% from $15.34/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.46/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 Louisville/Jefferson County 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
When evaluating the earning potential of sterile processing technicians, part-time workers can take home a significant income even while working less than full-time. A technician working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $27,225 annually, showcasing a practical option for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem opportunities offer even more flexibility; facilities often pay between $22 and $32 per hour, and those with the CER credential can command rates of $28 to $40 in agency placements. Variations in hourly pay exist across employer types in Louisville/Jefferson County, with hospitals generally offering lower rates than specialty centers or third-party service providers, who may also provide additional benefits. Ultimately, many technicians might opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other advantages, emphasizing the importance of weighing benefits against pay rate. Understanding the local job market can empower workers to negotiate their hourly rates effectively while considering the opportunities available in this evolving field.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Are sterile processing technicians in Louisville/Jefferson County paid hourly or salary?
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Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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 Louisville/Jefferson County. 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