Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Temple, TX: $20.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Temple, TX runs $20.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Temple's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temple, TX, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.35 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $22.94. This difference may affect those considering part-time work, such as techs who only operate three days a week, potentially influencing their overall income and lifestyle choices. The hourly range for sterile processing technicians in this area starts at $16.16 for entry-level positions and can extend to $30.07 for the most experienced professionals. These estimates reflect various roles within the sterile processing environment, including decontamination and assembly rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and central instrument delivery routes. Such diverse settings highlight the opportunities for flexible schedules, particularly for per-diem workers who may appreciate the ability to control their employment hours while earning competitive hourly pay.
About the Temple 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) | $16.16 | $129.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.30 | $138.40 |
| Median (P50) | $20.35 | $162.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.21 | $201.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.07 | $240.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temple
Based on $20.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.35/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temple, TX can expect to earn approximately $42,337 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,425. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Temple.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temple
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $814.17 | $3,528 | $42,337 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $488.50 | $2,117 | $25,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.67 | $1,411 | $16,935 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Temple) | $20.35 |
| 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 Temple, TX earn a median of $42,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.27% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.80% below the Texas state average of $43,122.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.35/hr = $25,402/year (purchasing power: $26,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,337/year (purchasing power: $44,101).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Temple grew 27.4% from $15.33/hr (2019) to $19.53/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.21/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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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 Temple
Part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours a week stand to earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, limiting their annual take-home pay. Per-diem sterile processing technician pay in Temple can range widely, with some billing between $22 and $32 per hour, and specialized positions, like certified endoscope reprocessors, reaching $28-$40 per hour. Agencies often offer lucrative travel contracts, allowing some techs to earn between $1,000-$1,500 per week. Variations in hourly rates exist among employer types in Temple, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, and dental practices. Some technicians may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits. This trade-off simplifies employer selection for techs who prioritize job security over pay. Negotiation strategies can also be beneficial; emphasizing certifications like CRCST or CER may provide leverage during discussions regarding hourly wages, especially as the field moves toward credential-required hiring practices.
More salary data for Temple, 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 Temple. 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 Temple 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