Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Kennewick, WA: $23.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Kennewick, WA runs $23.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Kennewick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,849 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $23.12, slightly above the national hourly median of $22.94. This competitive rate allows for decent earnings, whether working part-time or in per-diem roles across various settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices. For those in part-time positions working three days a week, translating the hourly wage would yield a substantial income while allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic. Additionally, the hourly range in Kennewick for sterile processing technicians spans from $18.82 at the entry level to $36.47 for more seasoned professionals, showcasing the potential growth within the field, as set forth by the 2025 BLS OEWS 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) | $20.10 | $160.83 |
| Median (P50) | $23.12 | $184.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.42 | $235.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennewick
Based on $23.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.12/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennewick, WA can expect to earn approximately $48,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,739. With a cost-of-living index of 100.08 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kennewick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennewick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.64 | $4,007 | $48,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.78 | $2,404 | $28,849 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.86 | $1,603 | $19,233 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Kennewick) | $23.12 |
| 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 Kennewick, WA earn a median of $48,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.74% higher than the national median of $47,724.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.12/hr = $28,849/year (purchasing power: $28,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,081/year (purchasing power: $48,043).
CoL index: 100.079 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Kennewick grew 42.2% from $15.60/hr (2019) to $22.18/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.09/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 Kennewick 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 Kennewick
When considering earnings as a part-time sterile processing technician—working 24 hours weekly—the annual take-home pay can significantly differ compared to a full-time position. In the context of per-diem roles, technicians often command $22 to $32 per hour, with those holding the certified endoscope reprocessor (CER) credential earning between $28 and $40 an hour through agency placements. Notably, the demand for contract SPD work has surged, with travel positions offering $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in today’s workforce environment. The hourly rates vary depending on employer type: hospital SPDs typically offer different compensation structures than dental specialty practices or third-party service providers. Some technicians opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for the benefits of health insurance, while others may prioritize higher earnings without those perks. For those negotiating, it’s crucial to emphasize certifications like CRCST and CER, especially in a city like Kennewick, where credential requirements are becoming standard.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Kennewick 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 Kennewick. 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, 7-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