Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $29.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Seattle, WA runs $29.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,147 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the projected median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians is $29.77. This figure is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $22.94, indicating competitive compensation in the area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a substantial income, especially in environments like hospital SPD decontamination units, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), or endoscope reprocessing areas. Entry-level sterile processing technicians can expect to earn around $22.69 per hour, while experienced professionals may earn up to $39.08 per hour, making the pay scale for this occupation in Seattle quite favorable compared to other regions. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting an optimistic outlook for those considering a career in sterile processing.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.69 | $181.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.19 | $201.52 |
| Median (P50) | $29.77 | $238.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.56 | $284.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.08 | $312.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $29.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.77/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,718. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.61 | $5,159 | $61,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.37 | $3,096 | $37,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.24 | $2,064 | $24,765 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Seattle) | $29.77 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $61,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.71% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 28.80% above the Washington state average of $48,060.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.77/hr = $37,147/year (purchasing power: $33,426).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,912/year (purchasing power: $55,710).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Seattle grew 41.9% from $20.13/hr (2019) to $28.56/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.02/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Analyzing the financial potential for sterile processing technicians in Seattle, a part-time worker on a 24-hour weekly schedule can expect to earn approximately $46,557 annually, compared to a full-time salary that would be significantly higher. Furthermore, the per diem sterile processing technician pay in Seattle varies, with common rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour for agency placements. Those with specialized credentials like Certified Endoscope Reprocessors (CER) may earn between $28 and $40 an hour, particularly in high-demand areas following the post-2020 surge in staffing shortages. Different employer types can also affect hourly earnings; for instance, hospital SPDs may offer higher hourly rates than specialty centers or third-party providers but might require more comprehensive benefits. Negotiating successfully hinges on weighing benefits versus higher pay, while those aiming for travel positions can often command weekly salaries between $1,000 and $1,500. It's advisable for workers to research local market rates and consider their needs carefully when evaluating offers.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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 Seattle. 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