Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $19.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Lincoln, NE runs $19.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,856 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the sterile processing technician hourly pay reflects a median rate of $19.92, which is relatively lower than the national hourly median of $22.94. This difference indicates a distinct earning potential for local technicians working in various environments, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical clinics. For part-time positions, typically requiring three days per week, technicians can expect to earn around $1,594 monthly, which is viable for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly range extends from $17.63 for entry-level roles to approximately $26.04 for experienced specialists. It’s worth noting that these figures are part of the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, providing a clear benchmarking for individuals considering careers in sterile processing in Lincoln, NE.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.63 | $141.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.44 | $147.49 |
| Median (P50) | $19.92 | $159.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.39 | $163.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.04 | $208.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $19.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.92/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $41,426 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,900. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $796.66 | $3,452 | $41,426 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.99 | $2,071 | $24,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.66 | $1,381 | $16,570 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Lincoln) | $19.92 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $41,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.18% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.20% below the Nebraska state average of $41,935.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.92/hr = $24,856/year (purchasing power: $27,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,426/year (purchasing power: $45,234).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lincoln grew 21.3% from $15.75/hr (2019) to $19.11/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.76/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
For those considering part-time positions, the actual take-home pay for a sterile processing technician working three days a week typically amounts to about $19,488 annually, which is significantly less than what full-time counterparts might receive. The landscape of per diem work presents broader earning opportunities, with rates often falling between $22 to $32 per hour. Technicians specializing in endoscope reprocessing can command higher hourly rates, ranging from $28 to $40 in agency placements. Some professionals may also pursue travel contracts, creating income potential upwards of $1,000 to $1,500 weekly, a developing trend post-2020 amid staffing shortages. It’s essential for workers in Lincoln to consider how rates differ by employer type, from hospital departments to third-party service providers and dental practices. When negotiating, benefits should be weighed against hourly pay; some may prefer higher wages even without health insurance coverage. Robust negotiation can boost income, so understanding market rates in Lincoln's sterile processing scene is crucial for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lincoln 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 Lincoln. 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, 6-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