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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.35/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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 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.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Delaware?
Are sterile processing technicians in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Delaware?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
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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 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).
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