Raleigh vs Wilmington: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,654▲ | $40,601 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.43▲ | $19.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,749 | $37,480▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,820▲ | $37,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,158▲ | $49,175 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,451▲ | $55,948 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $6,053 (14.91%). Raleigh's median is -2.24% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $25,702,Wilmington spans $18,468. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($47,530 effective) pays 12.88% more than Wilmington ($42,108 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,654/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,451)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,530)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington 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 Raleigh grew 43.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$31,160 (2019) → $44,765 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$31,480 (2019) → $38,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
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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