Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $17.01 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Monroe, LA runs $17.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,227 per year.

$35,369
Median Annual Salary
$17.01/hr
Hourly Rate
$29,044
Entry Level (P10)
$50,736
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Monroe, LA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Monroe, LA sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Monroe, Louisiana, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $17.01, significantly below the national median of $22.94. This rate reflects the earning potential for individuals working in various environments, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities. For part-time workers, typically clocking in three days per week, their income would average around $1,369 monthly, making the profession accessible for those seeking flexible schedules. Entry-level technicians may start at approximately $13.97 an hour, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $24.39, showcasing a wide earning range within the industry. The figures provide a reasonable baseline for understanding what one can expect in terms of hourly compensation in Monroe's healthcare space, particularly within sterile processing roles.

About the Monroe Market

Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$13.97$111.72
Lower Range (P25)$14.72$117.73
Median (P50)$17.01$136.07
Upper Range (P75)$20.80$166.42
Top Earners (P90)$24.39$195.10

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe

Based on $17.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Monroe earning $17.01/hr would make approximately $20,410 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $35,378 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$20,410Reduced (32 hr/wk)$27,214Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$35,378

At $17.01/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $35,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,410. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$136.07
per 8hr shift
$680.35
per week
$2,948
per month
$35,378
per year

Schedule Comparison in Monroe

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$680.35$2,948$35,378
Part-Time (24 hrs)$408.21$1,769$21,227
Per Diem (16 hrs)$272.14$1,179$14,151

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Monroe)$17.01
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Monroe ($35,369) with Louisiana average ($36,690) and the US national median ($47,724).Monroe$35,369Louisiana Avg$36,690-3.60%US National$47,724-25.89%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Monroe, LA earn a median of $35,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.89% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.60% below the Louisiana state average of $36,690.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $17.01/hr = $21,227/year (purchasing power: $23,507).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,378/year (purchasing power: $39,178).

CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$12.81/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$16.32/hr

2026 Current Est.

$17.01/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Monroe (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Monroe. Baseline $12.81/hr in 2025, projected to $17.73/hr by 2027.$12$14$15$17$192019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$12.81$13.27$13.08$14.19$15.49$15.07$16.32$17.01$17.73
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$12.81/hrActual
2020$13.27/hrActual
2021$13.08/hrActual
2022$14.19/hrActual
2023$15.49/hrActual
2024$15.07/hrActual
2025$16.32/hrActual
2026(current)$17.01/hrEstimated
2027$17.73/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Monroe grew 27.4% from $12.81/hr (2019) to $16.32/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.73/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Monroe

Examining the local context, part-time sterile processing technicians in Monroe can expect to take home about $16,434 annually working three days a week, contrasting with the total income of those in full-time positions. The per diem segment offers even more lucrative opportunities, with rates commonly ranging from $22 to $32 per hour for agency staffing, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors report earnings of $28 to $40 per hour. The hourly pay variance largely depends on the type of employer, with hospital SPDs generally providing steadier work and benefits, but potentially at lower hourly rates than specialized or agency roles. For technicians considering their options, striking a balance between hourly pay and benefits becomes crucial: some may opt for positions that offer health insurance despite slightly lower pay, while others may prefer higher-wage opportunities without health benefits. Ultimately, being aware of the local labor market trends and effectively negotiating hourly pay rates can significantly influence earning potential in Monroe, LA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Monroe in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Monroe is $17.01/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $13.97 at entry level (10th percentile) to $24.39 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 25.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Monroe?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Monroe earns approximately $1,769/month, or $21,227/year at the median hourly rate of $17.01. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Monroe paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Monroe are paid hourly at a median rate of $17.01/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $35,378/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Monroe?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Monroe earns approximately $35,378/year at the median hourly rate of $17.01. This is 25.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $50,726/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Monroe sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $24.39/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Louisiana

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Monroe. 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 Monroe is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: