Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $20.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Athens, OH runs $20.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to reach $20.16 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $22.94. This rate signifies opportunities not only for full-time positions but also for those seeking part-time or per-diem work within various settings such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing facilities. Entry-level technicians may earn approximately $16.24, while experienced professionals, especially those reaching the 90th percentile, can earn as much as $27.81. By focusing on hourly wages rather than annual salaries, potential workers can better assess how their pay impacts their budgeting and lifestyle while seeking roles that fit their schedule.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.24 | $129.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.09 | $136.74 |
| Median (P50) | $20.16 | $161.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.81 | $222.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $20.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.16/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $41,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,187. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $806.25 | $3,494 | $41,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $483.75 | $2,096 | $25,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.50 | $1,397 | $16,770 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Athens) | $20.16 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $41,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $45,176.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.16/hr = $25,155/year (purchasing power: $27,734).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,925/year (purchasing power: $46,224).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Athens grew 27.4% from $15.18/hr (2019) to $19.34/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.01/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 Athens 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 Athens
Earnings in the Athens area can be particularly variable depending on employment type and hours worked. For instance, a sterile processing technician working three days a week (24 hours) could take home about $24,985 annually, a figure significantly lower than full-time earnings but still competitive for part-time positions. Per-diem opportunities also show high variability, with pay for sterile processing technicians ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and even higher for specialized roles such as CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors, who can earn between $28 and $40 hourly. Additionally, travel contracts are emerging as lucrative options, offering pay packages of $1,000 to $1,500 weekly. Each employer type—whether a hospital SPD, an ambulatory surgery center, or a third-party service—will impact the hourly rate. It's crucial for technicians to weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance against higher wages without benefits. When negotiating rates, showing evidence of relevant certifications from organizations like HSPA can further bolster their earning potential.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Athens?
Are sterile processing technicians in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Athens?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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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 Athens. 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 Athens 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