Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $21.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Charleston, WV runs $21.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,634 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,379 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, West Virginia, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $21.94. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $22.94, offering an interesting glimpse into the local job market. Workers in this field are often employed in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical offices. For those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem positions, such as working three days a week or on an as-needed basis, the hourly rate can impact their overall earnings significantly. As per BLS projections for 2026, the pay range for sterile processing technicians in Charleston spans from $16.88 for entry-level positions to $24.99 for more experienced technicians. This range allows for a wide variety of employment options tailored to individual circumstances.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.88 | $135.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.23 | $137.82 |
| Median (P50) | $21.94 | $175.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.13 | $177.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $21.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.94/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $45,632 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,326. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $877.53 | $3,803 | $45,632 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $526.52 | $2,282 | $27,379 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.01 | $1,521 | $18,253 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Charleston) | $21.94 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $45,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 15.20% above the West Virginia state average of $39,613.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.94/hr = $27,379/year (purchasing power: $30,861).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,632/year (purchasing power: $51,435).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Charleston grew 37.8% from $15.28/hr (2019) to $21.05/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.86/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
When evaluating the financial implications of part-time work for sterile processing technicians, those working three days per week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to bring home around $27,000 annually if maintaining the median hourly rate. In contrast, per diem technicians typically earn from $22 to $32 per hour, with specialized positions such as certified endoscope reprocessors often commanding even higher rates, between $28 to $40 per hour. Travel contracts have notably emerged in response to ongoing shortages, offering pay escalations from $1,000 to $1,500 weekly. The hourly pay can differ based on the employer; healthcare institutions may offer lower wages compared to agency placements, which often come with less job security. Some technicians might opt for lower hourly rates from employers providing health insurance as part of their compensation package, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help those in the SPD field effectively negotiate their worth in Charleston.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Charleston?
Are sterile processing technicians in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Charleston?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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, 6-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