Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $21.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Sterling, VA runs $21.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,366 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the estimated sterile processing technician hourly pay is currently set at $21.81, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate provides insight into the earnings potential for those working part-time in hospital sterile processing departments, where technicians may expect to earn around $17.67 at entry-level positions up to $31.13 for more experienced practitioners. For professionals in per-diem roles, this presents opportunities in various environments such as decontamination rooms and instrument processing areas, where established technicians can maximize their income based on their shifts and availability. With salaries stretching from a minimum of $17.67 to a maximum of $31.13, the financial flexibility exists for those balancing other commitments with their work in sterile processing.
About the Sterling 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) | $17.67 | $141.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.26 | $146.07 |
| Median (P50) | $21.81 | $174.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.53 | $212.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.13 | $249.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $21.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.81/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $45,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,176. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $872.53 | $3,781 | $45,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.52 | $2,269 | $27,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.01 | $1,512 | $18,149 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Sterling) | $21.81 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $45,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $47,305.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.81/hr = $27,223/year (purchasing power: $26,379).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,372/year (purchasing power: $43,965).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sterling grew 27.4% from $16.43/hr (2019) to $20.93/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.73/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When considering the part-time landscape, working three days a week (24 hours) could yield an annual take-home pay of roughly $26,176 based on the hourly rate mentioned earlier, highlighting a significant fluctuation compared to full-time salaries. Many per-diem sterile processing technicians in Sterling find themselves billing between $22 and $32 per hour, particularly if they hold specialized certifications. In addition, as the post-2020 healthcare market recovery has spurred demand for travel positions, contracts may offer between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly. Hourly rates can also differ by employer type; for instance, those in specialty surgical centers or large dental practices might see contrasting offers compared to traditional hospital SPDs. Some technicians may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, revealing a complex decision-making process related to job selection. Practically, technicians are encouraged to clearly communicate their worth and negotiate wages based on their experience and certifications, especially as the field has evolved towards higher credentialing requirements since 2021.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Sterling?
Are sterile processing technicians in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Sterling?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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