Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $22.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Salem, OR runs $22.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,472 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $22.81, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate reflects the compensation landscape for those working in various settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For part-time workers, such as those in three-day-a-week positions, the income would amount to roughly $1,092 monthly, making it a viable option for individuals seeking supplemental income or a balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level technicians may start at around $18.11 per hour, while more experienced or specialized staff can earn up to $30.43 per hour, showcasing the potential for growth within this field. The data provided here is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.11 | $144.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.57 | $164.58 |
| Median (P50) | $22.81 | $182.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.86 | $238.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.43 | $243.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $22.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.81/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $47,453 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,377. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.55 | $3,954 | $47,453 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.53 | $2,373 | $28,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.02 | $1,582 | $18,981 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Salem) | $22.81 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $47,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.57% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $47,885.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.81/hr = $28,472/year (purchasing power: $27,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,453/year (purchasing power: $45,782).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Salem grew 44.4% from $15.16/hr (2019) to $21.89/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.78/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 Salem 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 Salem
When considering the financial potential of sterile processing technicians in Salem, those who opt for part-time roles may take home less compared to full-time counterparts yet benefit from flexible scheduling. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would yield an annual income of approximately $28,368. Per diem and agency placements occur frequently in this profession; these positions can command hourly wages ranging from $22—$32, with specialized roles, such as certified endoscope reprocessors, earning even higher rates of $28—$40 per hour. These professionals may particularly capitalize on travel contracts, which can pay between $1,000 and $1,500 per week, especially in pressing labor markets post-2020. Hourly pay may also fluctuate based on the employer type, where larger healthcare systems might offer benefits while smaller practices could provide higher hourly rates without health insurance. To maximize earning potential, technicians should be prepared to negotiate based on their experience level and industry demand, especially in a market where credentialing has become more significant since 2021.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Salem in 2026?
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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 Salem. 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, 7-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