Norfolk vs Richmond: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Norfolk, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,490 | $46,663▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.99 | $22.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,085 | $34,838▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,507 | $40,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,696▲ | $48,144 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,517▲ | $58,210 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Richmond is $7,173 (18.16%). Richmond's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $32,432,Richmond spans $23,372. Norfolk 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, Richmond ($47,684 effective) pays 24.61% more than Norfolk ($38,266 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,517)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,663/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,684)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Norfolk grew -20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$47,468 (2024) → $37,891 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$41,070 (2019) → $44,774 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Norfolk or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Richmond as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Norfolk vs Richmond?
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