Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Socorro, TX: $19.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Socorro, TX runs $19.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Socorro's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,674 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Socorro, Texas, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $19.77 in 2026, which is notably below the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This pay scale provides a framework for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings like hospital sterile processing departments (SPDs), ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized instrument processing environments. For instance, part-time technicians working three days a week could potentially earn around $1,270 on a monthly basis at this hourly rate. Within the local market, reported hourly wages range from $15.87 for entry-level positions to $28.63 for the most experienced technicians, allowing for varied earning potential as professionals advance in their careers.
About the Socorro 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) | $15.87 | $126.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.84 | $134.74 |
| Median (P50) | $19.77 | $158.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.35 | $194.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.63 | $229.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Socorro
Based on $19.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.77/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Socorro, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,725. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Socorro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Socorro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $790.82 | $3,427 | $41,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $474.49 | $2,056 | $24,674 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.33 | $1,371 | $16,449 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Socorro) | $19.77 |
| 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 Socorro, TX earn a median of $41,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.84% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.70% below the Texas state average of $43,147.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.77/hr = $24,674/year (purchasing power: $25,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,123/year (purchasing power: $42,836).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Socorro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Socorro grew 27.4% from $14.89/hr (2019) to $18.97/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.60/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 Socorro 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 Socorro
Considering part-time employment in the sterile processing field, a technician working 24 hours a week may see annual earnings differing substantially from their full-time counterparts. For per-diem positions, many sterile processing technicians can achieve rates between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with specialized qualifications, such as Certified Endoscope Reprocessors, might command as much as $40 per hour in certain agency placements. Additionally, travel contracts have become popular, offering weekly pay that can reach between $1,000 and $1,500 in high-demand areas. Employers such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and third-party service providers typically present varied hourly pay rates, which often come with benefits. Some technicians may choose lower pay rates for the security of health insurance rather than accepting higher hourly wages without benefits. To negotiate effectively in Socorro, it's important to understand these trade-offs and be prepared to advocate for specific needs and qualifications.
More salary data for Socorro, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Socorro. 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 Socorro 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