Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $21.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Rochester, NY runs $21.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,366 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, New York, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $21.93, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This pay scale is significant for those considering flexible work arrangements such as part-time schedules—working approximately three days a week can provide substantial income for those balancing other commitments. In this role, which often takes place within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare settings, the hourly pay for technicians ranges from $17.84 for entry-level positions to $28.56 for those at the top of the pay scale. The numbers derive from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2025, projected to 2026, and illustrate the financial landscape facing aspiring sterile processing professionals in Rochester.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.84 | $142.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.31 | $170.50 |
| Median (P50) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.45 | $195.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.56 | $228.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $21.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.93/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $45,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,313. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $877.12 | $3,801 | $45,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $526.27 | $2,281 | $27,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.85 | $1,520 | $18,244 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Rochester) | $21.93 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $45,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.42% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.60% below the New York state average of $46,831.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.93/hr = $27,366/year (purchasing power: $28,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,610/year (purchasing power: $47,004).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rochester grew 42.1% from $14.81/hr (2019) to $21.04/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.85/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $27,211 annually, a solid wage compared to full-time colleagues but still significantly lower than the national average. Per diem positions are also available, with pay for sterile processing technicians in Rochester ranging from $22 to $32 per hour for standard roles; those with specific certifications such as the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) often command even higher rates, typically reaching $28 to $40 per hour in agency work. The type of employer can influence pay significantly; hospital settings may prioritize stable wages and benefits, while ambulatory and specialty centers might offer higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating pay, it’s crucial to assess the value of health insurance against higher hourly rates that lack such coverage, especially considering the evolving credential requirements in the field since 2021.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Rochester?
Are sterile processing technicians in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Rochester?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. 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, 7-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