Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $19.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Independence, KY runs $19.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, sterile processing technicians can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $19.51, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This difference in compensation could impact part-time professionals and per-diem workers, who may find opportunities in various settings. For instance, those working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would see the potential for stable earnings while fulfilling vital roles in hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing areas. Entry-level technicians in the city typically start around $15.36 per hour, while their more experienced counterparts can earn as much as $27.92 per hour, demonstrating a range of opportunities based on skill level and experience.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.36 | $122.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.38 | $131.07 |
| Median (P50) | $19.51 | $156.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.78 | $190.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.92 | $223.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $19.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.51/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $40,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,412. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $780.40 | $3,382 | $40,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.24 | $2,029 | $24,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.16 | $1,353 | $16,232 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Independence) | $19.51 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $40,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $40,916.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.51/hr = $24,348/year (purchasing power: $27,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,581/year (purchasing power: $45,443).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Independence grew 27.4% from $14.69/hr (2019) to $18.72/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.33/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 Independence 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 Independence
For those considering part-time work in sterile processing, a technician working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $25,419 annually, which is a considerable reduction compared to full-time positions. Additionally, per-diem placements often provide more flexible income. Many per diem sterile processing technicians in Independence report earnings between $22 and $32 per hour, with certified endoscope reprocessors reaching upwards of $40 in some agency roles. The hourly rates may vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and third-party service providers may offer different compensation structures. While some technicians choose positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer roles with higher hourly pay yet without the security of benefits. Accordingly, it’s essential for potential hires to assess their needs and negotiate effectively, especially given the current demand and credentialing requirements in the industry.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Independence in 2026?
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Career Resources
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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