Charlotte vs Leland: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Charlotte, NC and Leland, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Leland, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,444▲ | $40,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.33▲ | $19.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,459▲ | $34,161 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,720▲ | $35,539 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,266▲ | $49,638 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,371▲ | $56,300 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leland.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Leland is $5,671 (13.91%). Charlotte's median is -2.68% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $23,912,Leland spans $22,139. Charlotte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlotte ($47,709 effective) pays 9.52% more than Leland ($43,561 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,371)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,709)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Leland if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Charlotte grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Leland over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$32,430 (2019) → $44,563 (2025)
Leland, NC
$34,767 (2024) → $39,122 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Leland, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov