Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Mission, TX: $18.44 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Mission, TX runs $18.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Mission's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,009 per year.

$38,348
Median Annual Salary
$18.44/hr
Hourly Rate
$28,425
Entry Level (P10)
$57,846
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Rate in Mission, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Mission, TX sterile processing technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Mission, Texas, sterile processing technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $18.44, which falls significantly below the national median of $22.94. This rate impacts various working arrangements, particularly for part-time technicians who might work three days a week, contributing to their weekly earnings in the realm of approximately $441. For professionals seeking per-diem employment, the field offers opportunities in clinical environments such as hospital SPD decontamination rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. The hourly range for technicians in Mission stretches from $13.66 for entry-level roles to as high as $27.81 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the varied demands placed on technicians across different settings within Texas. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.

About the Mission Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$13.66$109.31
Lower Range (P25)$14.93$119.48
Median (P50)$18.44$147.49
Upper Range (P75)$22.14$177.09
Top Earners (P90)$27.81$222.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission

Based on $18.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a sterile processing technician in Mission earning $18.44/hr would make approximately $22,124 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $38,348 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$22,124Reduced (32 hr/wk)$29,498Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$38,348

At $18.44/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,348 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,124. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mission.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$147.49
per 8hr shift
$737.46
per week
$3,196
per month
$38,348
per year

Schedule Comparison in Mission

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$737.46$3,196$38,348
Part-Time (24 hrs)$442.48$1,917$23,009
Per Diem (16 hrs)$294.98$1,278$15,339

Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Sterile Processing Technician (Mission)$18.44
Surgical Technologist (National Avg)$29.34
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Nursing Assistant (National Avg)$18.86
Horizontal bar chart comparing sterile processing technician median salary in Mission ($38,348) with Texas average ($43,136) and the US national median ($47,724).Mission$38,348Texas Avg$43,136-11.10%US National$47,724-19.65%

Sterile Processing Technicians in Mission, TX earn a median of $38,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.65% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 11.10% below the Texas state average of $43,136.

Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $18.44/hr = $23,009/year (purchasing power: $23,967).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,348/year (purchasing power: $39,946).

CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$13.88/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$17.69/hr

2026 Current Est.

$18.44/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Mission (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for sterile processing technicians in Mission. Baseline $13.88/hr in 2025, projected to $19.21/hr by 2027.$13$15$17$19$222019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$13.88$14.39$14.17$15.38$16.79$20.28$17.69$18.44$19.21
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$13.88/hrActual
2020$14.39/hrActual
2021$14.17/hrActual
2022$15.38/hrActual
2023$16.79/hrActual
2024$20.28/hrActual
2025$17.69/hrActual
2026(current)$18.44/hrEstimated
2027$19.21/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Mission grew 27.4% from $13.88/hr (2019) to $17.69/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.21/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Mission

Part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home of around $21,145, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those exploring per diem work, compensation can be more lucrative, with rates commonly ranging from $22 to $32 per hour for general roles, while CER-certified professionals in specialized endoscope reprocessing can earn anywhere between $28 and $40. Sterile processing technicians in Mission may also find varying hourly rates depending on their employer type; hospital SPDs, specialty surgical centers, and third-party providers each have distinct budgetary constraints. Many professionals face the choice of accepting lower hourly wages for the security of health benefits versus pursuing higher rates without benefits, a dilemma in today's evolving job market post-2021. Negotiating hourly wages effectively involves understanding local market rates and demonstrating the value of certifications, especially in a state where credential stacking is becoming the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Mission in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Mission is $18.44/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.22% annual growth). Rates range from $13.66 at entry level (10th percentile) to $27.81 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 19.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Mission?

A part-time sterile processing technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Mission earns approximately $1,917/month, or $23,009/year at the median hourly rate of $18.44. Many sterile processing technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are sterile processing technicians in Mission paid hourly or salary?

The majority of sterile processing technicians in Mission are paid hourly at a median rate of $18.44/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $38,348/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Mission?

A full-time sterile processing technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Mission earns approximately $38,348/year at the median hourly rate of $18.44. This is 19.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $57,836/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Mission?

Part-time and per diem sterile processing technicians in Mission sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $27.81/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Texas

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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 Mission. 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 Mission is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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