Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $21.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Plano, TX runs $21.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,028 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plano, Texas, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians stands at $21.66, slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94. For part-time workers, particularly those engaged in a 3-day workweek, this translates to approximately $1,040 in weekly earnings, providing a steady source of income within this essential field. The sector encapsulates a variety of environments such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized endoscope reprocessing areas. Entry-level technicians can expect rates starting at $15.45, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $32.26 per hour, reflecting the skill level and certifications, particularly those with CRCST or CER credentials. The hourly data presented derives from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the sterile processing landscape in Plano.
About the Plano 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) | $15.45 | $123.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.26 | $138.07 |
| Median (P50) | $21.66 | $173.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.76 | $214.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.26 | $258.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $21.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.66/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $45,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,988. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $866.28 | $3,754 | $45,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.77 | $2,252 | $27,028 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.51 | $1,502 | $18,019 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Plano) | $21.66 |
| 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 Plano, TX earn a median of $45,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.60% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $43,112.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.66/hr = $27,028/year (purchasing power: $28,154).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,046/year (purchasing power: $46,923).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Plano grew 27.4% from $16.31/hr (2019) to $20.78/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 Plano 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 Plano
Considering an annual perspective on earnings reveals significant disparities for part-time versus full-time sterile processing technicians. A technician working three days per week might see an annual take-home pay around $54,080, considerably less than a full-time employee, who might earn a more substantial salary with benefits. For those opting for per-diem roles, pay can vary greatly, with typical rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and specialized roles, particularly in endoscope reprocessing, can command $28 to $40 in agency settings. With variation in pay structures across different employer types in Plano—such as hospitals, ASCs, and specialty dental practices—technicians often weigh the trade-off between higher hourly wages and valuable benefits like health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay is crucial; understanding the local job market and demonstrating credentials can better position technicians to secure favorable rates as the field continues to evolve in response to heightened infection protocols since 2021.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Plano in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Plano?
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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 Plano. 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 Plano 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