Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Florence, SC: $14.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Florence, SC runs $14.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $30,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.8, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,560 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is $14.87, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This discrepancy highlights the local economic conditions and the cost of living index in the area, which is notably lower at 86.774 compared to the national average. For professionals in this field, particularly those working part-time at hospital SPD decontamination or assembly rooms, the typical schedule of three days per week could yield a take-home pay of around $1,130 monthly. The hourly wage range in Florence also varies, with entry-level positions beginning at approximately $14.87 and top earners reaching up to $17.38. These figures reflect official BLS hourly data, offering insights for those pursuing careers in sterile processing throughout the SC region.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.87 | $118.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.87 | $118.98 |
| Median (P50) | $14.87 | $118.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.38 | $139.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $17.38 | $139.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $14.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.87/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, SC can expect to earn approximately $30,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,847. With a cost-of-living index of 86.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $594.89 | $2,578 | $30,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $356.93 | $1,547 | $18,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $237.96 | $1,031 | $12,374 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Florence) | $14.87 |
| 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 Florence, SC earn a median of $30,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.20% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 31.30% below the South Carolina state average of $45,016.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $14.87/hr = $18,560/year (purchasing power: $21,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $30,934/year (purchasing power: $35,649).
CoL index: 86.774 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Florence grew 27.4% from $11.20/hr (2019) to $14.27/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.50/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 Florence 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 Florence
For part-time sterile processing technicians working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual earnings may be around $27,400 versus $30,926 if they transitioned to full-time roles. This distinction becomes even more pertinent in the context of per-diem work, where technicians often command a pay rate ranging from $22 to $32 per hour. Notably, CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can see rates between $28 and $40 per hour, particularly in agency placements. Various settings like hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices can influence pay rates significantly in Florence. Moreover, while many technicians might opt for lower hourly wages for the benefits that full-time positions provide, others pursue higher pay in per diem roles without those perks. When negotiating pay, technicians should consider the prevailing rates at different employer types in Florence and assess their value based on certifications and skills, especially in the evolving field requiring HSPA credentials.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Florence?
Are sterile processing technicians in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Florence?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. 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, 3-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