Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Nogales, AZ: $20.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Nogales, AZ runs $20.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Nogales's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,506 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Nogales, Arizona, earn a median hourly rate of $20.44, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This differential highlights the local job market dynamics and living costs. For part-time workers, such as those clocking in three days a week, this translates into potential earnings of approximately $31,344 annually. Per-diem technicians typically work in settings like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing areas. The hourly wage range for sterile processing technicians extends from $15.86 at the entry-level to $27.48 among experienced professionals. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a snapshot of the earning potential within various environments in Nogales.
About the Nogales Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.86 | $126.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.18 | $145.41 |
| Median (P50) | $20.44 | $163.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.03 | $192.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.48 | $219.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nogales
Based on $20.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.44/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nogales, AZ can expect to earn approximately $42,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,525. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nogales.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nogales
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $817.50 | $3,543 | $42,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.50 | $2,126 | $25,506 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.00 | $1,417 | $17,004 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Nogales) | $20.44 |
| 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 Nogales, AZ earn a median of $42,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.93% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $45,128.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.44/hr = $25,506/year (purchasing power: $25,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,510/year (purchasing power: $43,157).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Nogales grew 27.4% from $15.39/hr (2019) to $19.61/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.30/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 Nogales 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 Nogales
For those considering part-time work, a three-day-a-week schedule equates to 24 hours per week. This adds up to about $31,344 in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Nogales often ranges between $22 and $32 per hour, with credentialed endoscope reprocessors sometimes earning up to $40 hourly in agency placements. It's worth mentioning that hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and private practices. Many technicians may opt for positions offering lower pay but better benefits, such as health insurance, illustrating the trade-offs involved in compensation negotiations. When entering discussions for hourly pay, being informed about the competitive rates in Nogales can provide leverage in securing a favorable wage while considering the value of additional perks and job security.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Nogales in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Nogales?
Are sterile processing technicians in Nogales paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Nogales?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Nogales?
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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 Nogales. 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 Nogales 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