Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $17.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $17.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,989 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,189 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, those working as sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $17.78. This figure falls below the national median of $22.94, reflecting a difference that may influence local staffing dynamics. For individuals considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in roles such as decontamination, assembly in hospital sterile processing departments, or instrument processing in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), these rates can directly impact their earning potential. Entry-level technicians may start at about $15.99 per hour, while top earners in this profession can earn upwards of $22.13, according to official BLS data. As the demand for trained and credentialed professionals increases, particularly with the rise of state registration laws, these earnings represent a crucial aspect of job selection for those entering or transitioning within the sterile processing field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.99 | $127.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.12 | $128.98 |
| Median (P50) | $17.78 | $142.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.73 | $149.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.13 | $177.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $17.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.78/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $36,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,336. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $711.20 | $3,082 | $36,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $426.72 | $1,849 | $22,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $284.48 | $1,233 | $14,793 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cape Girardeau) | $17.78 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $36,989 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.49% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 18.50% below the Missouri state average of $45,385.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.78/hr = $22,189/year (purchasing power: $25,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,982/year (purchasing power: $42,964).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cape Girardeau grew 42.9% from $11.94/hr (2019) to $17.06/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.53/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Looking at the financial landscape for sterile processing technicians, working part-time just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) yields an annual take-home amount significantly lower than that of full-time employees. While the standard hourly rate in Cape Girardeau sits modestly when compared to national averages, per-diem or agency positions provide alternative earning potentials; rates can jump as high as $22-$32 per hour for typical roles, and specialized positions in endoscope reprocessing can command $28-$40 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts in recent years have emerged, offering weekly earnings between $1,000 and $1,500, appealing to those willing to adapt to more flexible working conditions. It’s essential to note that sterile processing technician experiences can vary by employer type—hospitals, ASCs, specialty surgical centers, and third-party providers each approach compensation differently. Some technicians may opt for lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while others could secure better pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Cape Girardeau, highlighting certifications such as CRCST or CER can serve as a valuable leverage point for earning potential in this increasingly credential-focused field.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Cape Girardeau?
Are sterile processing technicians in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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