Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Elmira, NY: $21.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Elmira, NY runs $21.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Elmira's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $18.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmira, the average hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is projected to be $21.31 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $22.94. This hourly rate provides a competitive wage for those primarily working in settings like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time workers, typically scheduled three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,024 per week before taxes, which enables them to support themselves while also maintaining flexibility. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $16.87 per hour, while experienced professionals, especially those with credentials such as CRCST or CER, may earn as much as $29.81 per hour. The pay structure allows for growth and advancement in specialized areas of sterile processing, critical for those seeking longevity in this essential healthcare role.
About the Elmira Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.87 | $134.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.97 | $143.74 |
| Median (P50) | $21.31 | $170.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.62 | $204.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.81 | $238.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmira
Based on $21.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.31/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmira, NY can expect to earn approximately $44,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,576. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elmira.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmira
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $852.52 | $3,694 | $44,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.51 | $2,217 | $26,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.01 | $1,478 | $17,732 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Elmira) | $21.31 |
| 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 Elmira, NY earn a median of $44,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.13% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.30% below the New York state average of $46,801.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.31/hr = $26,599/year (purchasing power: $22,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,331/year (purchasing power: $38,249).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Elmira (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Elmira grew 27.4% from $16.05/hr (2019) to $20.45/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.21/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 Elmira 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 Elmira
When evaluating the part-time earning potential in Elmira, sterile processing technicians working three days a week earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. Per diem arrangements, where technicians can bill between $22 and $32 per hour, become attractive for those looking for flexibility or who may have additional commitments. Those with advanced certifications, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, can command even higher wages, often earning $28 to $40 an hour in agency roles, especially in shortage markets. Various employers in Elmira, such as large multi-doctor dental practices or third-party sterile processing service providers, can offer differing pay scales, often influenced by the availability of health insurance benefits. While some technicians opt for positions with slightly lower pay for the added security of benefits, others prefer the flexibility that higher hourly rates without benefits provide. Negotiating for pay in this sector typically involves emphasizing specialized skills and credentials relevant to the industry, which will increasingly matter as the state registration laws expand in New York.
More salary data for Elmira, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Elmira. 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 Elmira 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