Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $21.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Joplin, MO runs $21.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,913 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,950 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly pay of $21.59, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94. This wage is indicative of the compensation landscape for professionals working in environments such as hospital sterile processing departments (SPDs), ambulatory surgery centers, and instrument reprocessing rooms. For part-time workers, specifically those putting in three days a week, this translates to manageable incomes, making it feasible for technicians to balance work with other life commitments. Entry-level positions start at around $15.50 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $26.81 per hour, reflecting the potential for growth within this critical healthcare role. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.50 | $123.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.84 | $134.74 |
| Median (P50) | $21.59 | $172.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.59 | $172.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.81 | $214.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $21.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.59/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $44,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,913. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $863.78 | $3,743 | $44,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $518.27 | $2,246 | $26,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.51 | $1,497 | $17,967 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Joplin) | $21.59 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $44,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.89% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.10% below the Missouri state average of $45,412.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.59/hr = $26,950/year (purchasing power: $31,440).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,916/year (purchasing power: $52,400).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Joplin grew 27.4% from $16.26/hr (2019) to $20.72/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.51/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
For those considering employment options, part-time sterile processing technicians working a typical 24-hour week can expect annual earnings of approximately $26,681, compared to their full-time counterparts who make significantly more. The per diem and agency staffing model offers even greater earning potential, with some sterile processing techs billing $22-$32 per hour, depending on their credentials, and specialized endoscope reprocessors enjoying rates as high as $28-$40 per hour. Various employer types in Joplin, from hospitals to specialized dental practices, also affect hourly rates and benefits. While some technicians opt for positions with lower hourly wages for health insurance benefits, others pursue higher pay without benefits for greater financial flexibility. Negotiating pay in Joplin usually involves discussing specific credentials like CRCST or CIS, which many employers prefer, especially in a post-2021 job market that increasingly favors credentialed hires. A strategic approach may enhance a technician’s compensation and job satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Joplin in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Joplin?
Are sterile processing technicians in Joplin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Joplin?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Joplin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Joplin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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