Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $21.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Allentown, PA runs $21.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,134 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,080 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Allentown, PA, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.70, which falls slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate presents a solid opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in hospital sterile processing departments, endoscope reprocessing rooms, and ambulatory surgery centers where shifts may vary. For those working three days a week, the opportunity to earn in the range of $18.71 to $27.64 per hour allows for flexibility in managing work-life balance while providing essential services in medical environments. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirms these figures, making it clear that skilled technicians can find rewarding positions that align with their availability and career goals.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.71 | $149.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.60 | $172.84 |
| Median (P50) | $21.70 | $173.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.13 | $193.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.64 | $221.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $21.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.70/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $45,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,038. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $867.94 | $3,761 | $45,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $520.77 | $2,257 | $27,080 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $347.18 | $1,504 | $18,053 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Allentown) | $21.70 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $45,134 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.43% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,224.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.70/hr = $27,080/year (purchasing power: $27,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,133/year (purchasing power: $45,148).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Allentown grew 31.0% from $15.89/hr (2019) to $20.82/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.61/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
Part-time sterile processing technicians in Allentown working a standard schedule of 24 hours a week can take home approximately $26,928 annually, offering a reasonable income compared to full-time peers. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Allentown can range from $22 to $32 per hour, with certified endoscope reprocessors potentially earning between $28 and $40 when contracted through an agency. Travel assignments have gained traction, providing weekly compensation that can reach between $1,000 and $1,500 in markets experiencing staffing shortages. The pay varies depending on the employer type, with hospital departments often offering steady hours and comprehensive benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers and third-party services may provide higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay can be challenging; however, understanding local market demands and having relevant certifications, such as CRCST, can significantly enhance one’s bargaining position.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Allentown. 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