Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $20.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in New Bern, NC runs $20.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,060 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in New Bern, NC, can expect an hourly rate of $20.70, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. This rate is indicative of the local job market, where technicians typically work in settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and endoscope reprocessing rooms. For part-time workers, securing a role three days a week at this rate can provide a solid income, particularly for those transitioning into the field or working alongside educational commitments. Entry-level technicians may start at approximately $15.89 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $29.15 per hour, reflecting variation in skill level and responsibilities within different environments. Given that these figures are based on projected annual salaries derived from 2025 BLS data, they provide valuable insights into the compensation landscape for those considering a career in sterile processing.
About the New Bern 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) | $15.89 | $127.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.08 | $136.65 |
| Median (P50) | $20.70 | $165.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.15 | $233.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $20.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.70/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $43,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,838. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $827.92 | $3,588 | $43,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $496.75 | $2,153 | $25,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $331.17 | $1,435 | $17,221 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (New Bern) | $20.70 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $43,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $43,894.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.70/hr = $25,831/year (purchasing power: $27,597).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,052/year (purchasing power: $45,996).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in New Bern grew 27.4% from $15.59/hr (2019) to $19.86/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
When examining the financial potential for sterile processing technicians working part-time, a typical schedule of three days per week, totaling around 24 hours, results in an annual take-home amount significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts. Part-time workers may anticipate earnings around $25,000 per year, making hours available to those managing personal commitments. Alternatively, per diem sterile processing technician pay in New Bern can range from $22 to $32 per hour, with agency placements for certified endoscope reprocessors potentially increasing earnings between $28 to $40 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts have emerged, offering attractive weekly salaries ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, especially in high-demand markets post-2020. Employers, including hospitals and specialty surgical centers, may offer varying hourly rates, necessitating negotiation strategies to enhance pay. Technicians often weigh the benefits of higher pay against job security and health insurance options, aiming to find a balance that meets their financial and professional needs.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in New Bern in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in New Bern?
Are sterile processing technicians in New Bern paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in New Bern?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Bern?
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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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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