Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Tualatin, OR: $22.12 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Tualatin, OR runs $22.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Tualatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,600 per year.

$46,005
Median Annual Salary
$22.12/hr
Hourly Rate
$37,498
Entry Level (P10)
$67,293
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Tualatin, Oregon, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $22.12 in 2026. When compared to the national median of $22.94, this figure suggests a slight regional adjustment, likely influenced by the cost of living which sits slightly above the national average at a cost index of 102.6. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $34,400 annually, while per-diem positions typically offer rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour. This pay structure is indicative of the broader market, which includes entry-level positions earning around $18.03, and seasoned technicians reaching up to $32.35 hourly in specialized settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and various surgical practices.

About the Tualatin Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.03$144.24
Lower Range (P25)$19.05$152.41
Median (P50)$22.12$176.92
Upper Range (P75)$26.13$209.02
Top Earners (P90)$32.35$258.80

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tualatin

Based on $22.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Tualatin earning $22.12/hr would make approximately $26,539 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $46,000 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$26,539Reduced (32 hr/wk)$35,385Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$46,000

At $22.12/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tualatin, OR can expect to earn approximately $46,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,539. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tualatin.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$176.92
per 8hr shift
$884.62
per week
$3,833
per month
$46,000
per year

Schedule Comparison in Tualatin

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$884.62$3,833$46,000
Part-Time (24 hrs)$530.77$2,300$27,600
Per Diem (16 hrs)$353.85$1,533$18,400

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Tualatin)$22.12
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 Tualatin ($46,005) with Oregon average ($47,872) and the US national median ($47,724).Tualatin$46,005Oregon Avg$47,872-3.90%US National$47,724-3.60%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Tualatin, OR earn a median of $46,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $47,872.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $22.12/hr = $27,600/year (purchasing power: $26,901).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,000/year (purchasing power: $44,835).

CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$16.66/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.22/hr

2026 Current Est.

$22.12/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Tualatin (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 Tualatin. Baseline $16.66/hr in 2025, projected to $23.05/hr by 2027.$15$18$21$24$272019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.66$17.26$17.00$18.45$20.14$25.59$21.22$22.12$23.05
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$16.66/hrActual
2020$17.26/hrActual
2021$17.00/hrActual
2022$18.45/hrActual
2023$20.14/hrActual
2024$25.59/hrActual
2025$21.22/hrActual
2026(current)$22.12/hrEstimated
2027$23.05/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tualatin grew 27.4% from $16.66/hr (2019) to $21.22/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.05/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 Tualatin 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 Tualatin

Considering the earning potential within Tualatin, a sterile processing technician working part-time schedules might bring home a respectable income when contrasted with a full-time role. If working 24 hours each week, these individuals could still be competitive in a market where per diem sterile processing technician pay in Tualatin varies widely, with specialized positions, such as those in endoscope reprocessing, often seeing rates as high as $40 per hour. Various employment settings influence hourly rates, with hospital SPDs typically providing greater benefits, leading some to accept lower wage offers in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating favorable pay requires understanding local dynamics; professionals should emphasize their credentials—particularly if they have certifications from HSPA like CRCST or CER—and current market demands to maximize their potential compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Tualatin is $22.12/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $18.03 at entry level (10th percentile) to $32.35 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.6% 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 Tualatin?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Tualatin earns approximately $2,300/month, or $27,600/year at the median hourly rate of $22.12. 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 Tualatin paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Tualatin are paid hourly at a median rate of $22.12/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $46,000/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 Tualatin?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Tualatin earns approximately $46,000/year at the median hourly rate of $22.12. This is 3.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $67,288/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 Tualatin?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Tualatin sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $32.35/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 Oregon

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 Tualatin. 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 Tualatin 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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