Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in San Juan, PR: $16.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in San Juan, PR runs $16.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,485 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in San Juan, PR, earn a median hourly rate of $16.41, significantly lower than the national median of $22.94. This hourly wage reflects the unique economic conditions in Puerto Rico and impacts those in part-time roles or per-diem positions, which are common in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers. With a range from $10.51 at the entry level to $22.28 for top earners, technicians working three days a week could expect to earn around $26,000 annually, a figure that influences their decision-making regarding job opportunities in various specialized work environments within the region. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data showcases the growing demand for skilled technicians amidst evolving healthcare standards, particularly as the industry increasingly prefers credentialed professionals to safeguard patient safety.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.51 | $84.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.13 | $105.05 |
| Median (P50) | $16.41 | $131.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $16.61 | $132.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.28 | $178.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Juan
Based on $16.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.41/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Juan, PR can expect to earn approximately $34,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,698.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Juan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $656.59 | $2,845 | $34,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $393.95 | $1,707 | $20,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $262.63 | $1,138 | $13,657 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (San Juan) | $16.41 |
| 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 San Juan, PR earn a median of $34,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.45% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.60% below the Puerto Rico state average of $34,354.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $9.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Juan grew 51.4% from $10.40/hr (2019) to $15.75/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.11/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 San Juan 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 San Juan
For part-time sterile processing technicians juggling 24-hour weekly schedules, it's essential to consider both immediate financial needs and long-term career aspirations. Those pursuing per-diem positions may find themselves billing between $22 and $32 per hour, depending on their specialization and the employer type—be it a hospital SPD or a dental specialty practice. Credentialed technicians like those with the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) designation can command higher rates of $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. As San Juan navigates a competitive job market, many technicians weigh the pros and cons of accepting higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. When negotiating for an hourly wage, particularly in the context of shifting demand for qualified SPD workers, understanding the local economy and employer offerings can empower technicians to make more informed career choices.
More salary data for San Juan, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in San Juan in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in San Juan?
Are sterile processing technicians in San Juan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in San Juan?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Juan?
Related Pages
Career Resources
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 San Juan. 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