Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $22.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Bellingham, WA runs $22.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,464 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,485 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a sterile processing technician in Bellingham, the projected hourly pay is $22.82 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for various working arrangements, including part-time and per-diem opportunities. A technician working three days a week would have the potential to earn around $30,000 annually, facilitating a flexible work-life balance while contributing to critical healthcare services in settings like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing areas. The hourly pay range in Bellingham runs from $18.82 for entry-level positions to $29.09 for top earners, reflecting the diverse skill levels and experiences found in the industry as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 data, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.82 | $150.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.82 | $182.59 |
| Median (P50) | $22.82 | $182.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.82 | $182.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.09 | $232.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $22.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.82/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $47,474 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,389. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.97 | $3,956 | $47,474 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.78 | $2,374 | $28,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.19 | $1,582 | $18,990 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Bellingham) | $22.82 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $47,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the Washington state average of $48,089.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.82/hr = $28,485/year (purchasing power: $27,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,474/year (purchasing power: $45,943).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bellingham grew 27.4% from $17.19/hr (2019) to $21.90/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.79/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
As the demand for sterile processing technicians grows, particularly with the trend toward credential-required hiring initiated after 2021, part-time workers in Bellingham can strategically manage their finances. A technician dedicating just 24 hours a week could earn approximately $30,000 annually, a figure that can increase for those opting for per-diem roles, where rates typically range from $22 to $32 an hour. More experienced technicians, especially those with CER credentials specializing in endoscope reprocessing, may command $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Different employer types in Bellingham, such as hospitals versus specialty dental practices or third-party processing services, can offer varying hourly rates. For many, the decision to accept slightly lower pay might come down to health insurance benefits, which are often not included in higher-paying per-diem roles. Negotiating hourly rates should consider local demand and personal needs, which can empower technicians to achieve financially sustainable career paths while meeting the evolving demands of the healthcare environment.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Bellingham?
Are sterile processing technicians in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Bellingham?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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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 Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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