Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wooster, OH: $21.02 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wooster, OH runs $21.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wooster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,234 per year.

$43,724
Median Annual Salary
$21.02/hr
Hourly Rate
$36,021
Entry Level (P10)
$63,129
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Wooster, Ohio, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $21.02, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly pay can provide a stable income for those who work three days a week in roles like hospital sterile processing departments (SPD), ambulatory surgery centers, and various reprocessing environments. For part-time workers, this translates to approximately $1,680 monthly, allowing for decent financial flexibility while balancing other commitments. The hourly rate for sterile processing technicians can range significantly, from around $17.32 for entry-level positions to $30.35 for highly experienced professionals, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the field. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for 2026 expectations, reflecting a growing demand for certified professionals in the industry.

About the Wooster 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)$17.32$138.57
Lower Range (P25)$18.29$146.32
Median (P50)$21.02$168.17
Upper Range (P75)$25.00$200.02
Top Earners (P90)$30.35$242.79

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wooster

Based on $21.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Wooster earning $21.02/hr would make approximately $25,225 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $43,724 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,225Reduced (32 hr/wk)$33,634Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$43,724

At $21.02/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wooster, OH can expect to earn approximately $43,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,225. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wooster.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$168.17
per 8hr shift
$840.85
per week
$3,644
per month
$43,724
per year

Schedule Comparison in Wooster

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$840.85$3,644$43,724
Part-Time (24 hrs)$504.51$2,186$26,234
Per Diem (16 hrs)$336.34$1,457$17,490

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Wooster)$21.02
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 Wooster ($43,724) with Ohio average ($45,170) and the US national median ($47,724).Wooster$43,724Ohio Avg$45,170-3.20%US National$47,724-8.38%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Wooster, OH earn a median of $43,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $45,170.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $21.02/hr = $26,234/year (purchasing power: $28,924).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,724/year (purchasing power: $48,207).

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

2019 BLS Actual

$15.83/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.17/hr

2026 Current Est.

$21.02/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wooster (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 Wooster. Baseline $15.83/hr in 2025, projected to $21.91/hr by 2027.$15$17$19$21$232019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$15.83$16.41$16.16$17.54$19.15$17.72$20.17$21.02$21.91
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$15.83/hrActual
2020$16.41/hrActual
2021$16.16/hrActual
2022$17.54/hrActual
2023$19.15/hrActual
2024$17.72/hrActual
2025$20.17/hrActual
2026(current)$21.02/hrEstimated
2027$21.91/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wooster grew 27.4% from $15.83/hr (2019) to $20.17/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.91/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 Wooster 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 Wooster

For those considering part-time opportunities, a sterile processing technician working a 24-hour week can expect an annual take-home that’s substantially less than their full-time counterparts. However, per diem options are appealing—many professionals in Wooster can command $22-$32 per hour as they fill in for shifts or work agency placements. Those with the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) credential may find even higher rates, ranging between $28-$40 per hour. The employer type can influence pay, too; hospital SPDs typically offer more consistent work with benefits, while specialized surgical centers or third-party services may provide higher hourly wages but fewer perks. This fine balance can be crucial when considering job offers. Skilled technicians should be prepared to negotiate wages based on their credentials and preferences, particularly in this evolving job market where credential stacking and state registration laws are becoming increasingly relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wooster is $21.02/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $17.32 at entry level (10th percentile) to $30.35 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 8.4% 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 Wooster?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Wooster earns approximately $2,186/month, or $26,234/year at the median hourly rate of $21.02. 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 Wooster paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Wooster are paid hourly at a median rate of $21.02/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $43,724/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 Wooster?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Wooster earns approximately $43,724/year at the median hourly rate of $21.02. This is 8.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $63,126/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 Wooster?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Wooster sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $30.35/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

Nearby Cities in Ohio

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 Wooster. 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 Wooster 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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