Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Fe, NM: $20.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Santa Fe, NM runs $20.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,668 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Santa Fe's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $20.99, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly wage offers a practical yet essential economic foundation for various work arrangements, specifically for part-time technicians who may work three days a week. For instance, a technician in this setting would typically find employment in environments like hospital SPD decontamination units, endoscope reprocessing facilities, or ambulatory surgery centers. The hourly pay ranges from $15.94 for entry-level positions to $30.85 for experienced individuals, reflecting a diverse earning potential that corresponds to skill level and experience. Furthermore, these figures are based on projected estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, illustrating how hourly pay can significantly influence job satisfaction and career progression within this growing field.
About the Santa Fe Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.94 | $127.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.29 | $138.32 |
| Median (P50) | $20.99 | $167.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.91 | $207.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.85 | $246.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Fe
Based on $20.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.99/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Fe, NM can expect to earn approximately $43,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,188. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Santa Fe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Fe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $839.60 | $3,638 | $43,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $503.76 | $2,183 | $26,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.84 | $1,455 | $17,464 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Santa Fe) | $20.99 |
| 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 Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $43,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.50% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $43,236.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.99/hr = $26,195/year (purchasing power: $27,749).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,659/year (purchasing power: $46,249).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Santa Fe grew 27.4% from $15.81/hr (2019) to $20.14/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.88/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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe
Focusing on the financial prospects for part-time sterile processing technicians reveals some interesting contrasts. For a technician working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay will amount to approximately $26,139, significantly lower than a full-time worker due to fewer hours. Per diem positions also present appealing options, as many sterile processing technicians commonly bill $22 to $32 per hour, while those specializing in endoscope reprocessing, especially with CER certification, can command $28 to $40 an hour through agency placements. In Santa Fe, the type of employer—whether a hospital's sterile processing department, ambulatory surgery centers, or dental practices—determines how hourly rates fluctuate. Some technicians might even opt for lower hourly rates if they come with health benefits, emphasizing the balancing act between pay and benefits in this field. When negotiating rates, understanding the specific needs of the local market and leveraging credentials like CRCST or CER can provide significant advantages in securing the most favorable contracts.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Santa Fe in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Santa Fe?
Are sterile processing technicians in Santa Fe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Santa Fe?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Fe?
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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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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