Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Greensboro, NC: $21.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Greensboro, NC runs $21.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Greensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,366 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Greensboro, North Carolina, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to reach $21.93 in 2026. This figure falls just below the national median hourly rate of $22.94, reflecting a slight local wage variance. For part-time and per-diem roles, such as those found in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers, this hourly rate can create a solid income. A technician working three days per week can still earn a respectable amount while benefiting from flexible scheduling. The hourly range for sterile processing technicians in Greensboro spans from $17.37 for entry-level positions to $27.39 for seasoned professionals, providing opportunities for wage growth as experience and credentials such as CRCST, CIS, or CER are obtained.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.37 | $138.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.83 |
| Median (P50) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.18 | $185.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.39 | $219.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greensboro
Based on $21.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.93/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greensboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $45,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,313. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $877.12 | $3,801 | $45,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $526.27 | $2,281 | $27,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.85 | $1,520 | $18,244 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Greensboro) | $21.93 |
| 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 Greensboro, NC earn a median of $45,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.42% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.90% above the North Carolina state average of $43,901.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.93/hr = $27,366/year (purchasing power: $29,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,610/year (purchasing power: $49,114).
CoL index: 92.865 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Greensboro grew 42.1% from $14.81/hr (2019) to $21.04/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.85/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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro
Considering the earning potential for part-time workers, a sterile processing technician employed for only 24 hours a week could potentially take home a substantial sum that aligns with career goals, albeit less than a full-time employee. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Greensboro typically falls between $22 and $32 per hour, with specialized endoscope reprocessors earning even more, often between $28 and $40 per hour when working in agency roles. Variability also exists among employer types; positions in hospitals may offer lower hourly pay compared to specialized surgical centers or dental practices. This trade-off often prompts some technicians to choose jobs with lower hourly rates but better benefits, such as health insurance. For those negotiating hourly wages, it's advisable to consider the total compensation package carefully, factoring in benefits alongside the wage, as Greensboro's job market evolves alongside the increased demand for certified professionals in this field.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Greensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Greensboro?
Are sterile processing technicians in Greensboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Greensboro?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Greensboro?
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 Greensboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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