Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Fort Mill, SC: $20.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Fort Mill, SC runs $20.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Fort Mill's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fort Mill, South Carolina, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $20.84, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate can dramatically impact part-time and per-diem income levels in the field, especially in typical settings such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialized instrument processing areas. With a range extending from $16.97 for entry-level positions up to $28.94 for experienced technicians, there are distinct opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the industry. The hourly figures provided here are based on estimated annual salary data, illustrating how the financial landscape can vary based on experience, credentials, and work settings.
About the Fort Mill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.97 | $135.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.80 | $142.41 |
| Median (P50) | $20.84 | $166.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.03 | $200.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.94 | $231.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Mill
Based on $20.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.84/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Mill, SC can expect to earn approximately $43,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,013. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Mill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Mill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $833.76 | $3,613 | $43,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.26 | $2,168 | $26,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.50 | $1,445 | $17,342 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Fort Mill) | $20.84 |
| 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 Fort Mill, SC earn a median of $43,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $45,012.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.84/hr = $26,013/year (purchasing power: $28,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,356/year (purchasing power: $47,383).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Fort Mill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Fort Mill grew 27.4% from $15.70/hr (2019) to $20.00/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.72/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 Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill
For part-time professionals working three days a week, clocking in approximately 24 hours, the annual take-home pay would amount to around $26,034 before taxes, significantly less than what full-time employees might earn. Meanwhile, per diem or agency workers can touch more lucrative rates, often billing between $22 and $32 per hour, with those holding the CER credential for endoscope reprocessing commanding up to $40 on the higher end. Various institutions in Fort Mill—such as hospital SPDs, ASCs, and dental specialty practices—can offer differing hourly rates based on the type of employer and the demand in the area. While some technicians opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, leading to important considerations regarding job satisfaction and financial stability. These realities show the importance of effective negotiation strategies tailored to individual circumstances and the regional economy.
More salary data for Fort Mill, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill. 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 Fort Mill 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