Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $20.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Gainesville, GA runs $20.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $20.53, which falls below the national median of $22.94. This discrepancy reflects the local economic conditions and cost of living, where the index is 93.1, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living. For those working part-time, typically on a three-day-a-week schedule, this rate translates into a practical income that supports various lifestyles, particularly for technicians balancing school or other obligations. Per-diem opportunities further add flexibility; workers can take advantage of varying pay rates based on demand, ranging from $16.50 at entry-level positions to $29.06 for more experienced technicians across diverse environments such as hospital SPD decontamination rooms or ambulatory surgery centers.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.50 | $131.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.49 | $139.90 |
| Median (P50) | $20.53 | $164.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.27 | $202.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.06 | $232.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $20.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.53/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $42,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,638. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $821.25 | $3,559 | $42,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $492.75 | $2,135 | $25,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.50 | $1,424 | $17,082 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Gainesville) | $20.53 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $42,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.51% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $44,815.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.53/hr = $25,623/year (purchasing power: $27,522).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,705/year (purchasing power: $45,870).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gainesville grew 27.4% from $15.46/hr (2019) to $19.70/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.40/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Gainesville varies significantly when considering annual take-home pay. A part-time worker, clocking in 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate, would earn approximately $25,000 annually, which contrasts with a full-time technician's potential earnings, making full-time positions more appealing for those prioritizing financial stability. Per diem roles offer higher pay; experienced technicians can bill between $22 to $32 per hour, with those holding the CER credential for endoscope reprocessing reaching $28 to $40 in agency placements. Different employer types in Gainesville, from hospital SPDs to dental specialty practices, may offer varying benefits, with some technicians opting for slightly lower pay in exchange for health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s beneficial to factor in job security, potential overtime opportunities, and the overall compensation package, as securing a robust benefits plan can significantly enhance a technician's long-term financial outlook.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Gainesville?
Are sterile processing technicians in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Gainesville?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
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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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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