Chesapeake vs Roanoke: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,061 | $46,877▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.78 | $22.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,274 | $35,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,946 | $38,877▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,997 | $58,093▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,543 | $69,518▲ |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Roanoke is $7,816 (20.01%). Roanoke's median is -1.77% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $33,269,Roanoke spans $33,829. Roanoke has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($45,423 effective) pays 20.01% more than Chesapeake ($37,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,877/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,518)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,423)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Chesapeake grew -20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$46,952 (2024) → $37,479 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$35,240 (2020) → $44,979 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chesapeake or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Roanoke as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chesapeake vs Roanoke?
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