Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Phenix City, AL: $16.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Phenix City, AL runs $16.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Phenix City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,162 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A sterile processing technician in Phenix City, Alabama, earns a median hourly rate of $16.96, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $22.94. This rate is relevant for both full-time and part-time positions often found in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and dental practices. Part-time technicians, who may work three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,622 monthly at this rate, while per-diem technicians often earn a different rate, spanning from $13.93 to $23.40 per hour, depending on experience and facility type. The earnings range highlights the entry-level wage of $13.93, progressing to high earners at $23.40 per hour, allowing professionals in the field to find positions that match their skills and experience levels.
About the Phenix City Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.93 | $111.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.73 | $117.81 |
| Median (P50) | $16.96 | $135.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.15 | $161.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.40 | $187.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phenix City
Based on $16.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.96/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phenix City, AL can expect to earn approximately $35,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,348. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Phenix City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phenix City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $678.26 | $2,939 | $35,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $406.96 | $1,763 | $21,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $271.31 | $1,176 | $14,108 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Phenix City) | $16.96 |
| 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 Phenix City, AL earn a median of $35,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.07% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $35,854.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.96/hr = $21,162/year (purchasing power: $24,075).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,270/year (purchasing power: $40,125).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Phenix City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Phenix City grew 27.4% from $12.77/hr (2019) to $16.27/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.67/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 Phenix City 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 Phenix City
In Phenix City, the earning potential for a three-day-per-week sterile processing technician typically results in an annual take-home pay of approximately $19,464, compared to someone working full-time who could expect higher overall compensation. Per-diem or agency roles present different financial realities, where professionals can bill between $22 and $32 per hour and may reach rates as high as $40 per hour for specialized work such as CER roles in endoscope reprocessing. Factors such as the employer type significantly influence hourly rates, with those working in hospital departments generally earning less than those in specialized surgical centers or third-party sterile processing service providers. While many technicians may accept lower pay for the sake of health benefits, others prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, seeking to negotiate terms based on their unique career trajectories. Understanding these dynamics can help current and aspiring sterile processing technicians maximize their earning potential in the evolving field of sterile processing in AL.
More salary data for Phenix City, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Phenix City. 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 Phenix City 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