Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Salt Lake City, UT: $21.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Salt Lake City, UT runs $21.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Salt Lake City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,846 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salt Lake City, sterile processing technicians enjoy a median hourly pay of $21.51, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate reflects positions typically found in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical environments. For workers seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, such as those who work three days a week, the hourly rate can translate to a competitive income while offering flexibility. Entry-level technicians may start around $16.54 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles or leadership may earn as much as $32.94 per hour. These figures originate from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, making the potential for growth in this field noteworthy as the industry increasingly values credentialing and training amidst evolving state regulations.
About the Salt Lake City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.54 | $132.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.95 | $143.57 |
| Median (P50) | $21.51 | $172.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.23 | $217.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.94 | $263.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salt Lake City
Based on $21.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.51/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salt Lake City, UT can expect to earn approximately $44,743 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,813. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salt Lake City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salt Lake City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $860.44 | $3,729 | $44,743 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.26 | $2,237 | $26,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.18 | $1,491 | $17,897 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Salt Lake City) | $21.51 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $44,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% below the Utah state average of $44,930.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.51/hr = $26,846/year (purchasing power: $27,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,743/year (purchasing power: $45,609).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Salt Lake City grew 13.2% from $18.23/hr (2019) to $20.64/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.42/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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
For a part-time sterile processing technician working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, annual earnings can significantly differ from full-time counterparts. At the median hourly pay, these technicians would bring home just over $26,000 annually, highlighting the allure of flexible scheduling. Many per-diem sterile processing technician positions in Salt Lake City can command hourly rates between $22 and $32, while those with additional qualifications, such as the Certification in Endoscope Reprocessing (CER), might see a pay range of $28 to $40. Additionally, travel contracts have become prominent since 2020, with weekly pay averaging between $1,000 and $1,500 in shortage markets. Employers such as third-party sterile processing services sometimes offer higher hourly rates but may lack benefits, prompting technicians to balance pay against health insurance needs. Practical negotiation also plays a role, as understanding the dynamics between different employer types—like hospitals and specialty clinics—can empower technicians to advocate effectively for their value in the workforce.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Salt Lake City in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Salt Lake City?
Are sterile processing technicians in Salt Lake City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Salt Lake City?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salt Lake City?
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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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City 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