Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $24.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wenatchee, WA runs $24.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.9, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,826 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Wenatchee, Washington, the projected median hourly pay for a sterile processing technician is set at $24.70, which reflects a competitive wage compared to the national median of $22.94. This difference translates to a significant overall earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals. For instance, a part-time worker employed three days a week can expect to earn a good wage while balancing their schedule with personal commitments. The hourly rate can vary widely in this field; entry-level positions might start around $16.66, whereas experienced technicians at the top of their game can earn upwards of $36.52. The figures provided are official BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.66 | $133.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.82 | $158.58 |
| Median (P50) | $24.70 | $197.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.14 | $257.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.52 | $292.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $24.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.70/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $51,376 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,640. With a cost-of-living index of 103.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $988.01 | $4,281 | $51,376 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $592.80 | $2,569 | $30,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.20 | $1,713 | $20,551 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wenatchee) | $24.70 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $51,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 6.90% above the Washington state average of $48,070.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.70/hr = $30,826/year (purchasing power: $29,682).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,376/year (purchasing power: $49,469).
CoL index: 103.855 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wenatchee grew 18.6% from $19.99/hr (2019) to $23.70/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.74/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
Considering the earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians in Wenatchee working 24 hours a week, they could take home an annual income that allows for reasonable financial stability, though somewhat below full-time counterparts. Those working on a per-diem basis might experience varied pay scales; standard rates range from $22 to $32 per hour, with skilled CER-credentialed technicians commanding up to $40 an hour in agency settings. Varied employer types influence hourly rates as well; hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty practices may offer different compensation based on benefits, job responsibilities, and market needs. Many professionals find themselves making trade-offs between higher wages and the benefits offered, such as health insurance. Negotiation remains a vital skill for hourly workers in this market, where understanding local pay standards can aid in securing desirable terms of employment.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wenatchee in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Wenatchee?
Are sterile processing technicians in Wenatchee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Wenatchee?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wenatchee?
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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 Wenatchee. 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, 5-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