Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $21.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Paducah, KY runs $21.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,073 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,443 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.19, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. For those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, this equates to approximately $678 weekly based on a 24-hour work week. Such hourly rates are particularly relevant for per-diem positions, which often provide opportunities in various settings like surgical decontamination rooms, endoscope reprocessing, and instrument assembly areas. The pay scale for sterile processing technicians in Paducah ranges between $17.62 (entry-level) and $26.88 (top earners), evidencing potential for growth and specialization, especially with the increasing demand for credentialed professionals following shifts in hiring practices since 2021. This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.62 | $140.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.78 | $166.25 |
| Median (P50) | $21.19 | $169.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.88 | $215.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.88 | $215.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $21.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.19/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $44,071 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,426. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.52 | $3,673 | $44,071 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.51 | $2,204 | $26,443 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.01 | $1,469 | $17,628 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Paducah) | $21.19 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $44,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.65% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.70% above the Kentucky state average of $40,922.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.19/hr = $26,443/year (purchasing power: $30,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,071/year (purchasing power: $51,195).
CoL index: 86.084 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Paducah grew 27.4% from $15.96/hr (2019) to $20.33/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.08/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
Considering part-time earnings, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week would typically take home about $35,400 annually, compared to a full-time schedule that could bring in roughly $44,073 for full-time technicians. Per diem and agency roles can potentially provide higher pay, with rates typically ranging from $22-$32 per hour for standard placements, while those with CER credentials for endoscope reprocessing might secure $28-$40 per hour in agency work. In the evolving market, travel SPD contracts have gained traction, offering weekly compensation of $1,000-$1,500, highlighting the diverse earning potential in this field. Pay varies across different employer types in Paducah—including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices—which can influence pay rates. Therefore, some technicians opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiation can be significant in this sector, as understanding local pay trends can empower technicians to advocate for competitive compensation.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Paducah in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Paducah?
Are sterile processing technicians in Paducah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Paducah?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Paducah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Paducah. 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, 2-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