Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $22.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in McLean, VA runs $22.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, the median hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $22.25 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94 per hour. This competitive rate is representative of roles primarily found in hospital sterile processing departments (SPD) and specialized settings like ambulatory surgery centers (ASC). For those working part-time, such as a technician scheduled for three days a week, this translates into a significant earning potential—allowing for a flexible work-life balance. The hourly range varies, with entry-level positions starting around $17.00 per hour and top earners pushing towards $31.19 per hour. Such flexibility also appeals to per-diem workers who may find themselves earning varying rates between $22 and $32 per hour based on their specific skills and certifications.
About the McLean 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) | $17.00 | $135.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.32 | $146.58 |
| Median (P50) | $22.25 | $178.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.77 | $214.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.19 | $249.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $22.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.25/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,701. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.04 | $3,857 | $46,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.02 | $2,314 | $27,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.02 | $1,543 | $18,513 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (McLean) | $22.25 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $46,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.01% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $47,280.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.25/hr = $27,769/year (purchasing power: $26,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,282/year (purchasing power: $44,847).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in McLean grew 27.4% from $16.76/hr (2019) to $21.35/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.19/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 McLean 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 McLean
For those considering part-time opportunities, working a standard 24-hour week as a sterile processing technician could yield annual earnings significantly lower than those of full-time counterparts, while still providing a viable income stream. Per-diem and agency placements have become an attractive option, particularly for those with additional credentials like CER, who command pay rates of $28 to $40 per hour. Employers within McLean vary widely in their compensation structures; hospital settings often offer lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits, while third-party service providers might offer higher wages but fewer perks. Consequently, technicians frequently face a decision between preferred hourly pay and necessary health benefits. Those negotiating their pay should assess the entire compensation package carefully, considering their specific needs and circumstances within the evolving landscape of sterile processing in VA, particularly in light of the enhanced credential requirements established post-2021.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in McLean in 2026?
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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 McLean. 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 McLean 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