Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $17.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Columbus, MS runs $17.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,921 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the average hourly pay for a sterile processing technician stands at $17.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This rate reflects the earnings typical for various employment settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities in the area. Those working in part-time roles, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a consistent income with the potential for over $34,000 annually, depending on hours worked. The hourly range in Columbus extends from $13.74 for entry-level positions to $23.82 for experienced technicians, illustrating the earnings disparity between those just entering the field and those with substantial experience or specialized credentials, particularly with the growing emphasis on certifications like CRCST and CER.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.74 | $109.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.75 | $125.98 |
| Median (P50) | $17.75 | $141.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.86 | $166.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.82 | $190.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $17.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.75/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $36,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,298. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $709.95 | $3,076 | $36,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $425.97 | $1,846 | $22,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $283.98 | $1,231 | $14,767 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Columbus) | $17.75 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $36,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.64% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $39,278.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.75/hr = $22,150/year (purchasing power: $25,846).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,917/year (purchasing power: $43,077).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Columbus grew 27.4% from $13.37/hr (2019) to $17.03/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.50/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When considering the financial dynamics of sterilization within the healthcare sector, part-time technicians working 24 hours a week can face different fiscal realities compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem arrangements for sterile processing technicians often yield higher hourly pay, generally ranging from $22 to $32, depending on specific roles and responsibilities. For example, certified endoscope reprocessors can secure hourly rates between $28 and $40 in agency placements. With the current demand for skilled technicians rising, especially in Columbus, there are lucrative travel contracts available offering between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly. These work arrangements often come with the trade-offs of stability and benefits associated with full-time positions versus the higher hourly pay without health insurance. For those considering rate negotiations, understanding the nuances of employer types—such as hospitals versus third-party sterile processing services—can provide leverage to secure competitive pay while weighing the advantages of benefits packages against higher hourly wages devoid of additional perks.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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