Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $23.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Arlington, TX runs $23.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Texas, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to be $23.71 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $22.94. This competitive wage positions local technicians favorably in comparison to their peers across the country. For part-time and per-diem workers, such as those engaged in processing instruments for hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers, this hourly rate can translate into a steady income, allowing for flexibility while still earning a respectable wage. With an hourly range extending from $16.83 at the entry-level to as high as $36.16 for top earners, sterile processing technicians in Arlington can find opportunities that align with their professional experience and credentialing, especially given the emphasis on certification requirements from organizations like HSPA and the growth of roles such as certified endoscope reprocessors.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.83 | $134.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.82 | $150.58 |
| Median (P50) | $23.71 | $189.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.73 | $237.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.16 | $289.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $23.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.71/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $49,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,452. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.40 | $4,110 | $49,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.04 | $2,466 | $29,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.36 | $1,644 | $19,727 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Arlington) | $23.71 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $49,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.32% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 14.30% above the Texas state average of $43,141.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.71/hr = $29,590/year (purchasing power: $30,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,317/year (purchasing power: $51,372).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Arlington grew 27.4% from $17.86/hr (2019) to $22.75/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.71/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Assessing the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians reveals a different financial picture compared to full-time positions. Working three days a week, amounting to 24 hours, a part-time technician would realistically earn an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, though still feasible for supplementary income. Per-diem arrangements have become more common, where technicians can expect pay rates between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with specialized credentials may achieve billing rates as high as $28 to $40 per hour. Various employer types in Arlington, ranging from hospitals to specialty surgical centers and third-party service providers, show a variance in hourly rates. Some technicians opt for lower hourly wages at hospitals for the health benefits, while others pursue higher rates in contract or agency roles, often foregoing benefits. For those new to the field, it's important to negotiate based on market rates; understanding the local context can significantly affect pay negotiations in Arlington’s evolving sterile processing environment.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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