Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $22.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $22.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,016 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, Michigan, a sterile processing technician typically earns a median hourly rate of $22.45. This figure is slightly below the national median of $22.94 per hour, indicating a competitive yet modest local pay scale for this profession. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this equates to approximately $1,078 earned weekly, providing a stable income for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly pay structure in this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $16.38 and top earners in the field making as much as $34.69 per hour. Given the diverse settings where sterile processing technicians operate—such as hospital SPD decontamination areas, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms—these pay rates are reflective of current market demands and the specialized skills required for the job.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.38 | $131.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.06 | $144.49 |
| Median (P50) | $22.45 | $179.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.24 | $217.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.69 | $277.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $22.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.45/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $46,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,939. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $897.96 | $3,891 | $46,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $538.78 | $2,335 | $28,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.18 | $1,556 | $18,678 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Sterling Heights) | $22.45 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $46,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.14% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $45,740.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.45/hr = $28,016/year (purchasing power: $30,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,694/year (purchasing power: $50,101).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sterling Heights grew 27.4% from $16.91/hr (2019) to $21.54/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.40/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Examining the financial aspects from a broader employment perspective, part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $56,900 annually, while full-time counterparts would see this income considerably higher. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Sterling Heights typically ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, with the more specialized roles—like CER credentialed technicians—commanding rates between $28 and $40 per hour from agencies. Additionally, travel contracts have gained popularity, offering weekly earnings of $1,000 to $1,500 in response to workforce shortages. Variability in pay often exists across different employer types, such as hospitals versus dental specialty practices. It's important for sterile processing technicians to weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against health insurance offerings, and those seeking to renegotiate pay rates should approach discussions armed with data specific to their skills and credentials, especially in a competitive market like Sterling Heights.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sterling Heights in 2026?
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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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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