Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Utica, NY: $21.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Utica, NY runs $21.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Utica's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,366 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Utica, New York, the hourly compensation for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $21.93 in 2026, just slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this equates to a reasonable earning potential that can still provide a comfortable living, particularly in environments like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. Positioning within the hourly wage spectrum varies significantly in this field, with entry-level technicians earning around $17.70 and top earners potentially reaching $27.73 per hour. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, provide a clear snapshot of the financial landscape for those considering a career in sterile processing in the Utica area, highlighting both stability and opportunity.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.70 | $141.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.38 | $155.08 |
| Median (P50) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.73 | $221.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.73 | $221.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Utica
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 Utica, 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 92.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Utica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Utica
| 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 (Utica) | $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 Utica, NY earn a median of $45,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.40% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.60% below the New York state average of $46,841.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.93/hr = $27,366/year (purchasing power: $29,528).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,610/year (purchasing power: $49,213).
CoL index: 92.678 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.98/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 Utica grew 27.4% from $16.51/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 Utica 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 Utica
For those engaged in part-time positions, the financial dynamics shift considerably. A sterile processing technician working a 24-hour week could earn a little over $34,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a viable option. Per diem positions often attract technicians looking for flexibility, with billing rates typically between $22 and $32 per hour; those with additional certifications, like CER for endoscope reprocessors, may command even higher rates of $28 to $40 per hour. This market for travel contracts has grown notably since 2020, providing opportunities to earn between $1,000 and $1,500 each week. It’s also essential to recognize how employer types influence hourly pay; technicians may find varying rates based on whether they’re employed by hospitals, specialty surgical centers, or third-party service providers. While some may choose a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher compensation without additional perks. Negotiating effectively in Utica may involve showcasing certifications or experience, particularly as the demand for qualified sterile processing technicians remains robust in a post-pandemic healthcare environment.
More salary data for Utica, 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 Utica. 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, 5-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