Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in SeaTac, WA runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,108 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,263 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those considering a career in sterile processing in SeaTac, WA, the median hourly pay is projected at $22.65 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $22.94. This level of hourly compensation affords part-time workers—such as those engaged three days a week—a steady income while allowing for other commitments. Sterile processing technicians typically operate in environments like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and endoscope reprocessing facilities. Here, entry-level positions may start around $17.26, fostering an appealing entry point into the field, while highly experienced technicians can command up to $33.26 per hour, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this important sector.
Analyzing earning potential in SeaTac reveals interesting dynamics, especially for those opting for part-time or per-diem work. A sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week might see an annual income of about $28,704, depending on their hourly rate and whether they receive additional benefits. Per diem work for SPD technicians typically garners about $22 to $32 an hour, and those holding the CER credential can see rates climb to between $28 and $40 per hour in agency positions. Travel contracts have also surged, offering stark pay opportunities of $1,000 to $1,500 a week in areas facing staff shortages. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type—hospital SPDs, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices may all offer differing compensation structures. For some, the choice between slightly lower pay for full benefits versus higher hourly rates with no health options becomes pivotal in their employment decisions. Prospective technicians should also consider negotiating effectively based on their credentials, training, and experience, particularly in a job market that increasingly values certified professionals.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.26 | $138.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.67 | $149.33 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.78 | $214.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.26 | $266.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $47,106 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,176. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.88 | $3,925 | $47,106 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.53 | $2,355 | $28,263 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.35 | $1,570 | $18,842 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (SeaTac) | $22.65 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $47,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $48,070.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,263/year (purchasing power: $26,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,106/year (purchasing power: $43,860).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in SeaTac grew 27.4% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $21.73/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.60/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 SeaTac 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.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in SeaTac in 2026?
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Are sterile processing technicians in SeaTac paid hourly or salary?
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Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in SeaTac?
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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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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