Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Harrisonburg, VA: $22.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Harrisonburg, VA runs $22.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,594 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Harrisonburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,951 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly rate of $22.40, which positions them slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings like hospital Sterile Processing Departments (SPD), ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For technicians working part-time three days a week, this translates to a steady income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range spans from $17.92 at the entry level to $33.25 for top earners, reflecting the varying pay scales that depend on experience and specific roles, such as those requiring additional certifications like the Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER). These figures derive from annual salary estimates, providing a realistic view of the compensation landscape for sterile processing technician hourly pay in Harrisonburg.
About the Harrisonburg 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) | $17.92 | $143.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.13 | $153.08 |
| Median (P50) | $22.40 | $179.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.84 | $222.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.25 | $265.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisonburg
Based on $22.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.40/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisonburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,586 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,876. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Harrisonburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisonburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $895.88 | $3,882 | $46,586 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.53 | $2,329 | $27,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.35 | $1,553 | $18,634 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Harrisonburg) | $22.40 |
| 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 Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $46,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.37% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $47,303.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.40/hr = $27,951/year (purchasing power: $27,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,586/year (purchasing power: $45,141).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Harrisonburg grew 40.4% from $15.31/hr (2019) to $21.49/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.34/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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg
Earnings can differ dramatically based on commitment level and employment arrangement. A 3-day work week totaling 24 hours results in an estimated annual take-home of approximately $27,878, notably less than a full-time technician's earnings but allowing for additional employment or personal pursuits. For per-diem sterile processing technician pay in Harrisonburg, rates generally bill between $22 and $32 per hour, with specialized roles, like CER-certified positions, potentially reaching hourly rates of $28 to $40. Trends post-2020 show travel SPD contracts commanding $1,000 to $1,500 weekly as healthcare demands surge. Employers range from hospital systems to specialty surgical centers, each presenting unique advantages such as health insurance benefits for a lower hourly wage versus higher pay without benefits in some agency settings. Technicians may find negotiating advantageous, particularly in a market with evolving credential requirements that emphasize the value of continued education and certification in the sterile processing field.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Harrisonburg in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Harrisonburg?
Are sterile processing technicians in Harrisonburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Harrisonburg?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Harrisonburg?
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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 Harrisonburg. 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 Harrisonburg 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