Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $21.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Apex, NC runs $21.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,204 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,521 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median of $21.25. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94, indicating a modest difference compared to broader trends across the country. For part-time technicians, working three days a week typically amounts to about 24 hours, translating to a reliable income stream while maintaining work-life balance. Per-diem roles in settings such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, as well as endoscope reprocessing areas, can yield higher hourly earnings, with entry-level positions starting around $16.03 and reaching up to $30.33 for top earners in the field. These rates reflect the sector's increasing demand for certified professionals, especially those with credentials like CRCST and CER, making sterile processing a competitive area in Apex.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.03 | $128.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.24 | $145.91 |
| Median (P50) | $21.25 | $170.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.69 | $205.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.33 | $242.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $21.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.25/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $44,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,501. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $850.02 | $3,683 | $44,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.01 | $2,210 | $26,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.01 | $1,473 | $17,680 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Apex) | $21.25 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $44,204 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $43,897.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.25/hr = $26,521/year (purchasing power: $28,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,201/year (purchasing power: $47,223).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Apex grew 27.4% from $16.00/hr (2019) to $20.39/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.15/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 Apex 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 Apex
Considering the earning potential for a sterile processing technician in Apex, part-time workers earning $21.25 per hour would take home approximately $26,520 annually, while those opting for full-time roles could see significantly higher returns. In contrast, per diem sterile processing technician pay in Apex generally ranges between $22 and $32 an hour, which offers flexibility for those who can manage variable schedules. Furthermore, CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command hourly rates between $28 and $40 in agency placements, particularly in high-demand regions following supply shortages. The choice of employer, whether it's a hospital, ambulatory surgery center, or a dental practice, can also impact pay rates considerably. Technicians often face the decision between accepting slightly lower hourly wages for positions offering substantial health benefits versus higher pay without additional perks. Those negotiating hourly rates in Apex are encouraged to assess regional competitive rates and leverage their credentials to maximize their compensation effectively.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Apex in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Apex?
Are sterile processing technicians in Apex paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Apex?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Apex?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Apex. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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