Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $21.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cleveland, OH runs $21.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,323 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,197 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at $21.79, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94. This hourly rate creates competitive earning opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing areas. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this wage translates into a consistent income while accommodating personal commitments. The hourly range for sterile processing technicians in Cleveland varies as well, with entry-level positions earning approximately $18.33 and more experienced technicians able to earn up to $28.19, indicating ample growth potential within the field according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.33 | $146.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.77 | $150.16 |
| Median (P50) | $21.79 | $174.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.19 | $185.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.19 | $225.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $21.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.79/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $45,328 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,151. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $871.70 | $3,777 | $45,328 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.02 | $2,266 | $27,197 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.68 | $1,511 | $18,131 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cleveland) | $21.79 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $45,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.30% above the Ohio state average of $45,188.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.79/hr = $27,197/year (purchasing power: $28,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,328/year (purchasing power: $48,261).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cleveland grew 19.4% from $17.51/hr (2019) to $20.91/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.71/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Calculating the annual earnings for a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week reveals a take-home of about $27,187, which is a significant difference compared to the full-time counterparts who average higher weekly wages. The appeal of per diem positions is rising, as these professionals often bill around $22 to $32 an hour in Cleveland, with even higher rates for those specializing in endoscope reprocessing, where pay can range from $28 to $40 an hour. The local landscape of employment varies significantly based on the employer type—whether it’s a hospital SPD, ambulatory surgery center, or specialty practices. While some may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others favor positions that provide health insurance and stability. When negotiating hourly pay, especially in the evolving job market that increasingly emphasizes credentialing due to state requirements, it’s crucial for sterile processing technicians to be informed about industry benchmarks and advocate for their worth effectively.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cleveland. 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