Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Elko, NV: $20.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Elko, NV runs $20.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Elko's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,285 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
At a median hourly pay of $20.26 for sterile processing technicians in Elko, NV, individuals in this field earn somewhat less than the national average of $22.94 per hour. This difference may influence the choices of those considering part-time work, as a technician working three days a week for 24 hours could expect to make about $1,205 monthly, which can significantly affect personal budgets in a region where the cost of living is slightly below the national average. Entry-level sterile processing technicians in Elko can expect to earn around $17.14 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach as high as $27.06 per hour. These hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary projections, reflecting a diverse range of environments, from hospital sterile processing departments to ambulatory surgery centers.
About the Elko Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.14 | $137.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.84 | $142.74 |
| Median (P50) | $20.26 | $162.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.66 | $189.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.06 | $216.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elko
Based on $20.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.26/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elko, NV can expect to earn approximately $42,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,312. With a cost-of-living index of 98.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elko.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elko
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.41 | $3,512 | $42,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.25 | $2,107 | $25,285 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.17 | $1,405 | $16,857 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Elko) | $20.26 |
| 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 Elko, NV earn a median of $42,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.70% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.40% below the Nevada state average of $45,021.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.26/hr = $25,285/year (purchasing power: $25,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,142/year (purchasing power: $42,870).
CoL index: 98.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Elko (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Elko grew 27.4% from $15.26/hr (2019) to $19.44/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.12/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 Elko 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 Elko
In examining the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians—especially those working three days a week—it can be beneficial to assess how differing employment types impact overall pay. Working part-time results in lower annual earnings compared to full-time positions, but the flexibility can attract professionals who desire a better work-life balance. Per diem settings often offer higher rates, with those billing between $22 and $32 per hour. Additionally, certified endoscope reprocessors can command between $28 and $40 hourly in agency roles, reflecting the increasing need for specialized credentials like CRCST and CER. Despite the higher pay, many may opt for positions offering benefits such as health insurance, leading to a trade-off in hourly wages. Negotiating tips for hourly workers in Elko include highlighting certifications and readiness to adapt to different work environments, providing leverage in discussions around pay rates.
More salary data for Elko, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Elko in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Elko?
Are sterile processing technicians in Elko paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Elko?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elko?
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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 Elko. 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 Elko 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