Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $24.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Philadelphia, PA runs $24.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,240 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be around $24.23 in 2026, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This favorable rate is indicative of the increasing importance of this role in various healthcare environments, including hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, as well as ambulatory surgery centers and central instrument delivery routes. For part-time workers, often scheduled for three days a week, these hourly earnings translate to a reliable source of income while allowing for flexibility in work-life balance. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn about $19.99 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can reach up to $28.98 per hour. This spectrum not only reflects the demand for certified technicians in the field but also highlights how vital experience and certifications are in determining financial success in Philadelphia.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.47 | $179.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.23 | $193.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.45 | $219.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.98 | $231.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $24.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.23/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $50,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,077. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.25 | $4,200 | $50,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.55 | $2,520 | $30,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.70 | $1,680 | $20,160 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Philadelphia) | $24.23 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $50,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.60% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 11.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,238.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.23/hr = $30,240/year (purchasing power: $29,487).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,401/year (purchasing power: $49,146).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Philadelphia grew 29.3% from $17.98/hr (2019) to $23.25/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.25/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Considering the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians, a typical 3-day workweek at 24 hours could yield an annual income of approximately $50,000, significantly less than a full-time worker, yet substantial for those balancing other commitments. Per diem roles present a different scenario, with hourly rates frequently between $22 and $32; more specialized positions, like certified endoscope reprocessors, can command up to $40. In Philadelphia, how hourly rates are set often differs based on the type of employer—hospital SPDs tend to offer consistent pay, while specialty centers and third-party service providers might fluctuate. Technicians may find themselves weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages in contract roles. For those in the field, effective negotiation skills and knowledge of local pay scales can enhance their financial prospects, allowing them to make informed choices that align with their career goals and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. 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