Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $20.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in State College, PA runs $20.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,883 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, the sterile processing technician hourly pay reaches a median of $20.74 in 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $22.94/hr, reflecting local market dynamics. For those considering part-time work—such as a 3-day workweek—this translates to approximately $1,020 in gross weekly income. This is especially relevant for technical positions within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, dental practices, and other healthcare facilities. Those in entry-level roles might see hourly rates starting around $16.68, while experienced technicians and top earners can command up to $30.10/hr. Given that these estimates derive from annual salary data, they provide a useful framework to understand the financial landscape for sterile processing professionals in State College, PA.
About the State College 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) | $16.68 | $133.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.68 | $141.41 |
| Median (P50) | $20.74 | $165.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.53 | $204.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.10 | $240.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $20.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.74/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $43,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,888. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $829.59 | $3,595 | $43,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $497.75 | $2,157 | $25,883 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $331.84 | $1,438 | $17,255 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (State College) | $20.74 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $43,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.60% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,224.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.74/hr = $25,883/year (purchasing power: $26,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,139/year (purchasing power: $44,290).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in State College grew 27.4% from $15.62/hr (2019) to $19.90/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.61/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 State College 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 State College
Exploring the earnings potential reveals varied scenarios for sterile processing technicians. For instance, a part-time worker putting in 24 hours weekly could take home about $52,162 annually, contrasting sharply with their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem sterile processing technicians often bill between $22-$32/hr, while those with advanced credentials in endoscope reprocessing might earn around $28-$40/hr in agency roles. Travel contracts in shortage areas post-2020 are especially lucrative, typically offering $1,000-$1,500 per week. Hourly pay can significantly differ based on the type of employer. While hospital sterile processing departments may offer stable salaries, other settings, such as specialty surgical centers and third-party services, can provide higher pay but often lack employee benefits. As candidates consider their options in State College, it is essential to weigh the benefits of healthcare coverage against higher hourly rates without benefits, and approach negotiations armed with current market data to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for State College, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in State College in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in State College?
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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 State College. 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 State College 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