Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Lubbock, TX: $19.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Lubbock, TX runs $19.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Lubbock's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,763 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Sterile processing technicians in Lubbock, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $19.04, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate indicates that part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, may earn around $1,300 monthly while also balancing their work across various settings including hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers. The hourly range in Lubbock extends from $15.56 at entry-level positions to $28.53 for more experienced technicians or those in specialized roles, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the evolving market for sterile processing roles in the region.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.56 | $124.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.13 | $129.07 |
| Median (P50) | $19.04 | $152.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.16 | $193.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.53 | $228.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lubbock
Based on $19.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.04/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lubbock, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,849. With a cost-of-living index of 91.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lubbock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lubbock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $761.64 | $3,300 | $39,605 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $456.98 | $1,980 | $23,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.66 | $1,320 | $15,842 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Lubbock) | $19.04 |
| 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 Lubbock, TX earn a median of $39,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 8.20% below the Texas state average of $43,138.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.04/hr = $23,763/year (purchasing power: $26,023).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,605/year (purchasing power: $43,371).
CoL index: 91.317 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Lubbock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lubbock grew 37.7% from $13.27/hr (2019) to $18.27/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.84/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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock
Considering the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Lubbock, working for just 24 hours a week could yield a substantial yearly income compared to full-time positions, which often encompass greater responsibilities. Many per diem positions allow for flexibility and can command higher pay rates; per diem sterile processing technician pay in Lubbock can range from $22 to $32 an hour, depending on experience and specialization. With the rise of travel contracts, particularly in areas facing staffing shortages, some technicians are earning up to $1,500 weekly. Moreover, hourly compensation can vary significantly across different employers, such as hospitals and specialty practices, prompting workers to consider the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the local market and the value of certifications like CRCST can empower technicians to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Lubbock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Lubbock in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Lubbock?
Are sterile processing technicians in Lubbock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Lubbock?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lubbock?
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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 Lubbock. 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, 6-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