Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $21.45 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Delaware, OH runs $21.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,619 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,768 per year.

$44,619
Median Annual Salary
$21.45/hr
Hourly Rate
$34,768
Entry Level (P10)
$61,747
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Delaware, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Delaware, OH sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Delaware, Ohio, the hourly compensation for a sterile processing technician is projected to be $21.45 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $22.94. This wage reflects the typical earning potential across various settings such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For technicians working part-time—say three days a week—this translates to a flexible income while maintaining a work-life balance, along with opportunities for per-diem roles. In terms of financial prospects, the hourly range encompasses entry-level positions starting around $16.72, while top earners can achieve up to $29.68 an hour. It's important to recognize that these rates are estimates based on annual salary data, demanding a strategic approach when considering overall career goals and potential job settings in Delaware.

About the Delaware Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$16.72$133.74
Lower Range (P25)$18.72$149.74
Median (P50)$21.45$171.59
Upper Range (P75)$25.60$204.77
Top Earners (P90)$29.68$237.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware

Based on $21.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Delaware earning $21.45/hr would make approximately $25,738 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $44,613 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,738Reduced (32 hr/wk)$34,318Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$44,613

At $21.45/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $44,613 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,738. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$171.59
per 8hr shift
$857.94
per week
$3,718
per month
$44,613
per year

Schedule Comparison in Delaware

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$857.94$3,718$44,613
Part-Time (24 hrs)$514.76$2,231$26,768
Per Diem (16 hrs)$343.18$1,487$17,845

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Delaware)$21.45
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Delaware ($44,619) with Ohio average ($45,206) and the US national median ($47,724).Delaware$44,619Ohio Avg$45,206-1.30%US National$47,724-6.51%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Delaware, OH earn a median of $44,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $45,206.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $21.45/hr = $26,768/year (purchasing power: $29,512).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,613/year (purchasing power: $49,187).

CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$16.15/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.58/hr

2026 Current Est.

$21.45/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Delaware (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Delaware. Baseline $16.15/hr in 2025, projected to $22.35/hr by 2027.$15$17$19$21$242019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.15$16.74$16.49$17.90$19.54$18.09$20.58$21.45$22.35
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$16.15/hrActual
2020$16.74/hrActual
2021$16.49/hrActual
2022$17.90/hrActual
2023$19.54/hrActual
2024$18.09/hrActual
2025$20.58/hrActual
2026(current)$21.45/hrEstimated
2027$22.35/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Delaware grew 27.4% from $16.15/hr (2019) to $20.58/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.35/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Delaware

Earning potential for a part-time sterile processing technician in Delaware can result in significant differences compared to full-time employment. Working a typical 24-hour week translates to an annual take-home of approximately $26,688, while full-time employees have the opportunity to earn $44,619 annually, highlighting the income gap based on work hours. For those opting for per-diem positions, pay often ranges from $22 to $32 per hour; additionally, sterile processing technicians with CER credentials in agency placements can earn anywhere from $28 to $40 per hour. Factors such as employer type influence hourly rates even further: hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and third-party services each offer varied pay scales. The decision between higher hourly rates without benefits versus slightly lower wages with health insurance is a consideration for many in the field. Practical negotiation strategies are crucial in this context, as technicians in Delaware may find success discussing their specific qualifications, such as HSPA credentials and any specialized training, to secure preferable terms of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Delaware in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Delaware is $21.45/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $16.72 at entry level (10th percentile) to $29.68 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 6.5% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Delaware?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Delaware earns approximately $2,231/month, or $26,768/year at the median hourly rate of $21.45. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Delaware paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Delaware are paid hourly at a median rate of $21.45/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $44,613/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Delaware?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Delaware earns approximately $44,613/year at the median hourly rate of $21.45. This is 6.5% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $61,738/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Delaware sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $29.68/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Delaware. 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 Delaware is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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