Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Staunton, VA: $21.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Staunton, VA runs $21.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,333 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Staunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,197 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Staunton, Virginia, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.79 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. This wage is significant for part-time workers—those who may opt for a three-day workweek can expect to earn around $1,043.52 weekly, allowing for flexibility in managing personal commitments while still achieving a respectable income. The hourly range for this role spans from $17.72 for entry-level positions to $31.03 for top earners, reflecting the diverse skill levels and experiences in the field. Given the increasing emphasis on credentialing, particularly since 2021, professionals in the area are also finding niche opportunities in settings like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, which can impact wages based on location and the nature of the work.
About the Staunton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.72 | $141.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.74 |
| Median (P50) | $21.79 | $174.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.53 | $212.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.03 | $248.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Staunton
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 Staunton, VA 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 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Staunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Staunton
| 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 (Staunton) | $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 Staunton, VA earn a median of $45,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.01% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $47,271.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.79/hr = $27,197/year (purchasing power: $26,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,328/year (purchasing power: $43,923).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.93/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 Staunton grew 27.4% from $16.41/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 Staunton 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 Staunton
When examining the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians, those working three days a week will see differing annual income compared to full-timers. Specifically, a technician working 24 hours weekly earns approximately $54,127 annually, significantly lower than full-time colleagues who work 40 hours. The per diem sterile processing technician pay in Staunton reflects the demand for flexible staffing solutions, often falling between $22 and $32 hourly, depending on the precise role and credentials held. More specialized staffing solutions, such as certified endoscope reprocessors (CER), may receive $28 to $40 an hour, particularly in agency settings. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates; positions at hospitals typically offer lower pay relative to specialty surgical centers or dental practices, which might compensate at the upper end of the range. Technicians often weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the value of health insurance and stability offered by full-time employment. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires an understanding of local market rates and an awareness of the emerging standards for certification in the field.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Staunton in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Staunton?
Are sterile processing technicians in Staunton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Staunton?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Staunton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Staunton. 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 Staunton 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