Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $21.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in University City, MO runs $21.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,767 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a sterile processing technician in University City, the hourly pay stands at a median rate of $21.52. This is slightly below the national median of $22.94, reflecting the local cost of living index, which is lower than the national average. This hourly rate allows for flexible working arrangements, making it suitable for part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, and per-diem roles within various healthcare settings. Technicians typically operate in environments like hospital decontamination rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and operating room case cart staging areas. With entry-level positions starting at $16.69 and experienced technicians reaching up to $29.70 per hour, individuals can find diverse opportunities in University City to match their lifestyle and professional goals.
About the University City 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) | $16.69 | $133.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.90 | $143.24 |
| Median (P50) | $21.52 | $172.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.08 | $208.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.70 | $237.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $21.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.52/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $44,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,826. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.86 | $3,730 | $44,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.51 | $2,238 | $26,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.34 | $1,492 | $17,906 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (University City) | $21.52 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $44,767 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.20% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $45,402.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.52/hr = $26,859/year (purchasing power: $29,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,765/year (purchasing power: $49,960).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in University City grew 27.4% from $16.21/hr (2019) to $20.65/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.43/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 University City 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 University City
When examining part-time earning potential, a technician working 24 hours a week would generate approximately $26,770 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time peers. For those in per-diem positions, payment typically ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, providing even greater flexibility with earnings based on demand. Particularly for certified endoscope reprocessors (CER), agency placements can yield pay rates between $28 and $40 per hour, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly earnings of $1,000 to $1,500. Hourly rates may vary depending on the type of employer, which includes hospital sterile processing departments, specialty centers, and third-party providers. Some professionals choose positions with lower hourly pay for health benefits, while others prefer higher rates without benefits. Negotiating pay is essential, especially in University City, where understanding the local market and credential requirements—especially post-2021—can inform a technician’s approach to securing a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in University City?
Are sterile processing technicians in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in University City?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
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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 University City. 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 University City 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