Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $22.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Independence, MO runs $22.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, sterile processing technicians are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $22.28 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate is significant for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work within the sterile processing departments of local hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities. For instance, a part-time technician working three days a week could expect to earn about $1,070 on a monthly basis, making this a viable option for individuals seeking flexible work arrangements. Hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in this area range from $17.35 at the entry level, to as high as $34.40 for top earners, underscoring opportunities for growth and advancement within this specialized field.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.35 | $138.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.76 | $150.08 |
| Median (P50) | $22.28 | $178.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.02 | $216.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.40 | $275.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $22.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.28/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $46,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,739. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $891.29 | $3,862 | $46,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.77 | $2,317 | $27,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.52 | $1,545 | $18,539 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Independence) | $22.28 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $46,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.90% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $45,388.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.28/hr = $27,808/year (purchasing power: $31,036).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,347/year (purchasing power: $51,727).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Independence grew 27.4% from $16.78/hr (2019) to $21.38/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.22/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 Independence 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 Independence
Examining part-time earnings further reveals that a technician working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $27,852 annually, contrasting with full-time colleagues whose earnings could rise significantly. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Independence ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, while agency-certified endoscope reprocessors can expect to command rates between $28 and $40 per hour. The demand for flexible staffing solutions has driven the emergence of travel contracts that offer weekly pay of $1,000 to $1,500, enhancing the appeal of per diem roles in a competitive market. Salaries may vary based on the type of facility; for example, dental specialty practices and third-party service providers may offer different compensation packages compared to hospital sterile processing departments. When considering hourly work, technicians should weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with employer-provided health insurance against potentially higher wage offers without benefits, ensuring they make informed negotiations grounded in the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Independence?
Are sterile processing technicians in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Independence?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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