Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $20.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Carol Stream, IL runs $20.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The forecasted sterile processing technician hourly pay in Carol Stream, IL, stands at $20.07, noticeably below the national median of $22.94. This pay structure significantly influences both part-time and per-diem workers in the field, particularly within hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical settings. For those working three days a week, this amount reflects a viable income for technicians managing decontamination rooms or instrument processing areas. With an hourly range spanning from $15.03 for entry-level positions to $29.06 for top earners, the hourly wage structure offers a varied landscape for advancement and experience within the sterile processing profession.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.03 | $120.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.51 | $140.07 |
| Median (P50) | $20.07 | $160.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.67 | $197.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.06 | $232.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $20.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.07/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,087. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $802.91 | $3,479 | $41,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $481.75 | $2,088 | $25,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.16 | $1,392 | $16,701 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Carol Stream) | $20.07 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $41,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.50% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $43,048.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.07/hr = $25,051/year (purchasing power: $25,799).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,751/year (purchasing power: $42,998).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Carol Stream grew 27.4% from $15.12/hr (2019) to $19.26/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.92/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
Exploring part-time earning potential, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours per week would bring home around $24,900 annually, a figure notably less than what full-time technicians earn. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Carol Stream is more dynamic, with many positions billing between $22 and $32 per hour, and certified endoscope reprocessors fetching $28 to $40. Specialty hiring agencies often offer travel contracts where $1,000 to $1,500 per week is common, reflecting the increasing demand for certified professionals since 2021. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on employer type, with hospitals typically providing more stability compared to smaller practices or third-party service providers. Health benefits are a consideration too; some technicians may opt for lower pay in exchange for insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly rates without further compensation. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding local market rates and highlighting relevant certifications such as CRCST, CIS, or CER can enhance leverage in discussions with employers in Carol Stream.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Carol Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Carol Stream?
Are sterile processing technicians in Carol Stream paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Carol Stream?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carol Stream?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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