Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $18.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Springfield, MO runs $18.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,892 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For a sterile processing technician in Springfield, Missouri, the projected hourly pay in 2026 is $18.34, which falls notably short of the national hourly median of $22.94. This difference is significant for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions within various healthcare settings, such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized recovery rooms. Typically, those working three days a week can expect to earn around $700 weekly, which can be ideal for individuals seeking a balanced work-life dynamic. Within Springfield, the hourly pay for entry-level technicians starts at about $17.05, while top earners can make up to $23.02, illustrating a range that accommodates varying levels of experience and expertise, particularly as many employers now prefer certifications from recognized organizations like HSPA.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.05 | $136.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.36 | $138.90 |
| Median (P50) | $18.34 | $146.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.15 | $177.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.02 | $184.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $18.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.34/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $38,153 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,011. With a cost-of-living index of 88.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $733.71 | $3,179 | $38,153 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.23 | $1,908 | $22,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.48 | $1,272 | $15,261 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Springfield) | $18.34 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $38,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.06% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 16.00% below the Missouri state average of $45,416.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.34/hr = $22,892/year (purchasing power: $25,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,153/year (purchasing power: $43,069).
CoL index: 88.585 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Springfield grew 19.2% from $14.76/hr (2019) to $17.60/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.12/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Shifting focus to part-time opportunities, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week could earn around $36,000 annually, presenting a substantial difference compared to full-time counterparts. For per-diem positions, earning potential can increase significantly, with some technicians billing between $22 to $32 per hour, and those with the CER credential often getting $28 to $40 per hour, particularly in agency placements. Furthermore, the rise of travel contracts post-2020 has introduced earnings ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in some markets experiencing workforce shortages. In Springfield, hourly rates may vary based on the type of facility, such as hospitals, surgery centers, or dental practices, with some opting for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For technicians negotiating their pay, understanding local market rates and credential requirements can be key, especially as many employers have adopted credentialing criteria following recent industry shifts.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Springfield in 2026?
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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 Springfield. 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, 7-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