Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Pharr, TX: $20.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Pharr, TX runs $20.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Pharr's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pharr, Texas, a sterile processing technician earns a median hourly rate of $20.59, which reflects the growing demand for meticulous roles in healthcare. This figure sits below the national hourly median of $22.94, indicating a unique local financial landscape for sterile processing professionals. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this rate provides a reasonable earnings outlook but suggests limited income compared to full-time counterparts. The hourly pay ranges from $15.08 for entry-level positions to $30.83 for top earners, underlining the potential for upward mobility in this profession as one gains experience and possibly additional certifications, such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
About the Pharr 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) | $15.08 | $120.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.78 | $142.24 |
| Median (P50) | $20.59 | $164.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.82 | $206.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.83 | $246.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pharr
Based on $20.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.59/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pharr, TX can expect to earn approximately $42,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,713. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pharr.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pharr
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.75 | $3,570 | $42,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.25 | $2,142 | $25,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.50 | $1,428 | $17,134 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Pharr) | $20.59 |
| 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 Pharr, TX earn a median of $42,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.25% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $43,136.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.59/hr = $25,701/year (purchasing power: $26,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,835/year (purchasing power: $44,620).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pharr (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pharr grew 27.4% from $15.51/hr (2019) to $19.76/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.46/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 Pharr 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 Pharr
Part-time sterile processing technicians working three days a week could bring home a modest income, translating into an annual figure significantly lower than their full-time peers. For example, working 24 hours weekly would net about $25,736 annually, while full-timers can expect substantially more. Per-diem roles in sterile processing are increasingly common, with pay rates typically falling between $22 and $32 per hour. Those with specialized training in endoscope reprocessing (with a Certified Endoscope Reprocessor credential) may command even higher per diem rates, reaching between $28 and $40 hourly. Employers in Pharr vary widely, from large hospital settings and ambulatory surgical centers to specialized dental practices, and each type may offer different benefits and hourly pay scales. Those willing to accept slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance may find more stability in hospital positions compared to flexible but potentially more lucrative agency contracts that do not guarantee consistent hours. For technicians in the area, negotiating an optimal hourly rate involves not only discussing pay but weighing the importance of benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Pharr, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pharr 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 Pharr. 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 Pharr 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