Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cornelius, NC: $20.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cornelius, NC runs $20.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,328 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cornelius's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,000 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, sterile processing technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $20.83, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This rate can significantly affect those working part-time, such as technicians on a three-day workweek, who might earn roughly $1,249 monthly for 24 hours of work. For per-diem employees in settings like hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms, hourly earnings can vary widely. The pay range for these technicians spans from $17.21 at the lower end to $28.85 for the top earners, indicating a variety of opportunities within the field depending on experience and location.
About the Cornelius 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) | $17.21 | $137.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.16 | $145.24 |
| Median (P50) | $20.83 | $166.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.80 | $198.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.85 | $230.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cornelius
Based on $20.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.83/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cornelius, NC can expect to earn approximately $43,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,000. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cornelius.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cornelius
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $833.34 | $3,611 | $43,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $500.01 | $2,167 | $26,000 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $333.34 | $1,444 | $17,334 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cornelius) | $20.83 |
| 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 Cornelius, NC earn a median of $43,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $43,899.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.83/hr = $26,000/year (purchasing power: $27,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,334/year (purchasing power: $46,297).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cornelius grew 27.4% from $15.69/hr (2019) to $19.99/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.71/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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius
Earning potential as a part-time sterile processing technician in Cornelius should be carefully weighed against full-time options. A technician working three days a week would take home approximately $14,988 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time workers earning $43,328. Additionally, those in per-diem roles often charge rates between $22 and $32, with certified endoscope reprocessors able to demand up to $40 hourly, showcasing the lucrative possibilities in agency placements. The differences in pay across various employer types—like hospital sterile processing departments versus specialty surgical centers—also highlight where the best compensation opportunities can be found. Some technicians may choose employment with lower hourly pay for the stability of health benefits, while others prefer higher pay without additional perks. For those negotiating salaries, focusing on the demand for credentialed workers since 2021 and regional pay trends can effectively bolster their bargaining position.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cornelius in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Cornelius?
Are sterile processing technicians in Cornelius paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Cornelius?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cornelius?
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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 Cornelius. 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 Cornelius 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