Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Annandale, VA: $21.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Annandale, VA runs $21.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,859 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Annandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Annandale, Virginia, ambitious sterile processing technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $21.56, which is slightly below the national average of $22.94. This hourly wage has implications for various work arrangements, whether part-time in hospital settings, such as SPD decontamination or assembly rooms, or as per-diem workers handling surgical and endoscopic instruments. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, this rate translates into significant earnings potential, particularly in fast-paced environments like operating room case cart staging areas. With entry-level salaries starting around $17.07 and advancing to around $31.09 for the most experienced professionals, there's a decent range in pay to reflect the growing demand for certified technicians, especially given the recent emphasis on credentialing post-2021.
About the Annandale Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.07 | $136.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.25 | $145.99 |
| Median (P50) | $21.56 | $172.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.42 | $211.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.09 | $248.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Annandale
Based on $21.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.56/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Annandale, VA can expect to earn approximately $44,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,876. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Annandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Annandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $862.52 | $3,738 | $44,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.51 | $2,243 | $26,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.01 | $1,495 | $17,941 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Annandale) | $21.56 |
| 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 Annandale, VA earn a median of $44,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.10% below the Virginia state average of $47,270.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.56/hr = $26,911/year (purchasing power: $26,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,851/year (purchasing power: $43,461).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Annandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Annandale grew 27.4% from $16.24/hr (2019) to $20.69/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.47/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 Annandale 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 Annandale
Focusing on the financial landscape for part-time sterile processing technicians reveals interesting earnings dynamics. A technician working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could earn around $25,881 annually, which is a sustainable income competing with full-time roles. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in the Annandale area varies widely, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and those with specialized endoscope reprocessing certifications can command up to $40, particularly in agency placements. This potentially lucrative route, especially in high-demand markets, offers flexibility and higher pay without the responsibilities tied to full-time roles, though it often lacks benefits. Additionally, local hospital SPD departments and ambulatory surgery centers might offer less per hour in exchange for health insurance, emphasizing the need for strategic negotiation for positions in Annandale. It's wise for professionals to assess their priorities—whether seeking higher pay or benefits—before accepting offers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Annandale, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Annandale in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Annandale?
Are sterile processing technicians in Annandale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Annandale?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Annandale?
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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 Annandale. 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 Annandale 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