Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Vancouver, WA: $24.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Vancouver, WA runs $24.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Vancouver's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,813 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vancouver, Washington, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is $24.69, surpassing the national average of $22.94. This competitive rate provides a favorable environment for both part-time workers and per-diem professionals in the healthcare sector, especially in settings such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers. Part-time employees working three days a week typically gain financial stability, contributing steadily to their income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. The pay range for this occupation varies widely, from an entry-level $17.84 (P10) to experienced technicians earning up to $37.93 (P90). Such variability reflects the demand for credentialed professionals, particularly those with endorsements like CRCST or CER, as state registration laws advance in many regions.
About the Vancouver 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) | $17.84 | $142.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.67 | $165.33 |
| Median (P50) | $24.69 | $197.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.32 | $250.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.93 | $303.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vancouver
Based on $24.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.69/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vancouver, WA can expect to earn approximately $51,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,628. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vancouver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vancouver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $987.59 | $4,280 | $51,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $592.55 | $2,568 | $30,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.04 | $1,712 | $20,542 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Vancouver) | $24.69 |
| 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 Vancouver, WA earn a median of $51,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.61% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 6.80% above the Washington state average of $48,085.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.69/hr = $30,813/year (purchasing power: $28,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,355/year (purchasing power: $47,816).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Vancouver grew 27.4% from $18.59/hr (2019) to $23.69/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.73/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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver
Within the sterile processing field, a part-time technician working a 24-hour week in Vancouver could see an annual income of approximately $30,000, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem placement offers enticing pay options, where professionals can bill $22 to $32 per hour, increasing to $28 to $40 for those with specialized endoscope reprocessing credentials. These fluctuating rates are based on employer types — with salary conditions often more favorable in hospital settings compared to third-party service providers. While the former may offer comprehensive health benefits, many technicians accept lower hourly wages to secure insurance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the market dynamics in Vancouver is crucial, including realizing that specialized roles may command premium rates due to a growing focus on certification and the rising need for expertly trained staff, especially post-2021.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Vancouver in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Vancouver?
Are sterile processing technicians in Vancouver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Vancouver?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Vancouver?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver 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