Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cleburne, TX: $20.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cleburne, TX runs $20.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cleburne's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cleburne, Texas, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $20.61. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.94, indicating that while job opportunities are stable, pay may not be as competitive as in other areas. For individuals working part-time, such as those on a three-day work schedule, this hourly rate translates into a manageable income for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem technicians working in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities may find their rates varying from $16.27 to $29.52, depending on experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians can expect pay starting at approximately $16.27, while seasoned professionals might reach the upper echelons of the hourly scale, with top earners approaching $29.52 as they navigate roles in various settings, from endoscope reprocessing to central instrument delivery routes.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.27 | $130.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.36 | $138.90 |
| Median (P50) | $20.61 | $164.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.18 | $201.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.52 | $236.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleburne
Based on $20.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.61/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleburne, TX can expect to earn approximately $42,879 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,738. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleburne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleburne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $824.59 | $3,573 | $42,879 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.75 | $2,144 | $25,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.84 | $1,429 | $17,151 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cleburne) | $20.61 |
| 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 Cleburne, TX earn a median of $42,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.16% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $43,132.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.61/hr = $25,727/year (purchasing power: $26,799).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,879/year (purchasing power: $44,665).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cleburne grew 27.4% from $15.53/hr (2019) to $19.78/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.48/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 Cleburne 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 Cleburne
The earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Cleburne carries significant implications, particularly when comparing the annual income of a three-day workweek (24 hours). Such a technician would earn roughly $25,800 annually, which makes a considerable difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem placements in this sector typically range from $22 to $32 per hour, with specialized roles such as CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors sometimes earning $28 to $40 per hour. The rise of travel contracts, particularly after the challenges faced in 2020, has created new opportunities, where technicians can command weekly earnings of $1,000 to $1,500. Hourly rates can vary significantly across different employers; hospital SPD departments often provide stability and benefits, while ambulatory centers may offer higher wages but less job security. Technicians should weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits when negotiating their contracts, particularly in a market where credentialing standards have tightened since 2021, necessitating the stacking of certifications like CRCST, CIS, and CER for many positions.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cleburne 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 Cleburne. 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 Cleburne 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