Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $21.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Chester, PA runs $21.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected at a median of $21.02 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94 per hour. For individuals working part-time, such as those in hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgical centers, this translates to a reliable income, especially when working three days a week. The hourly rate provides a comprehensive framework for many technicians in various settings including decontamination and assembly rooms or central instrument delivery routes. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn as low as $17.35 per hour, while experienced professionals can attract hourly rates up to $28.99, demonstrating the potential for salary growth as one gains expertise and credentials in this evolving field.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.35 | $138.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.25 | $145.99 |
| Median (P50) | $21.02 | $168.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.96 | $199.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.99 | $231.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $21.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.02/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA 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 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Chester) | $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 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Chester, PA earn a median of $43,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.39% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,259.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.02/hr = $26,234/year (purchasing power: $26,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,724/year (purchasing power: $44,891).
CoL index: 97.4 (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 Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Chester 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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chester 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 Chester
For part-time technicians working 24 hours a week in Chester, the annual earnings would amount to around $26,000, which reflects a different lifestyle compared to full-time counterparts with full benefits. On the other hand, per-diem sterile processing technicians in the region can expect an hourly pay rate ranging between $22 and $32, with endoscope reprocessors earning up to $40 hourly in agency positions. The hourly rates can also differ significantly based on the type of employer; hospitals and specialty surgical centers may offer varying pay scales that could include additional benefits or bonuses. As job markets are competitive, some technicians may choose lower hourly rates for health insurance coverage, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits, allowing flexibility for those who can manage their own health coverage. Negotiating the salary package can be integral; emphasizing skill certifications, such as the CRCST, CIS, or CER, is a valuable strategy when entering discussions about pay in the Chester area.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Chester 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 Chester. 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 Chester 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