Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $21.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Columbia, SC runs $21.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,521 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.25 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $22.94. For individuals working part-time, such as those in per diem assignments or those clocking in three days a week, this pay translates to a reliable income while accommodating flexible schedules typical in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and other healthcare environments. The hourly rate in this profession ranges from $17.84 for entry-level positions to $25.75 for experienced technicians, allowing career progression opportunities based on skills and responsibilities. These figures reflect official BLS hourly data, indicating that sterile processing technicians in SC are positioned well in terms of earning potential compared to several other states.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.84 | $142.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.86 | $142.91 |
| Median (P50) | $21.25 | $170.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.83 | $182.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.75 | $206.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $21.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.25/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $44,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,501. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $850.02 | $3,683 | $44,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.01 | $2,210 | $26,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.01 | $1,473 | $17,680 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Columbia) | $21.25 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $44,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.80% below the South Carolina state average of $45,013.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.25/hr = $26,521/year (purchasing power: $28,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,201/year (purchasing power: $47,192).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Columbia grew 28.2% from $15.91/hr (2019) to $20.39/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.15/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For part-time sterile processing technicians in Columbia working 24 hours a week, their potential annual income is approximately $26,520, making it crucial to assess how their earnings stack up against full-time counterparts. Many per diem sterile processing technician pay rates in Columbia can range from $22 to $32 per hour, while specialized roles such as certified endoscope reprocessors may earn significantly higher, between $28 and $40 per hour, particularly in agency placements. Additionally, travel contracts have emerged, offering opportunities that can pay $1,000 to $1,500 weekly, but these options often come with their own set of challenges. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; hospitals, ASC facilities, and private practices offer different compensation structures, making it essential for technicians to evaluate their priorities between higher wages and benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation plays a vital role in securing favorable terms in Columbia's competitive market, so understanding value, skilled credentials like CRCST, and specialized training can enhance earning potential further.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Columbia?
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Related Pages
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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 Columbia. 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