Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Pinehurst, NC: $19.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Pinehurst, NC runs $19.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Pinehurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,413 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pinehurst, North Carolina, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.56 in 2026, which falls short compared to the national median of $22.94. For those working part-time, such as a technician on a three-day workweek, this rate translates to about $1,570 monthly before taxes, making it an appealing opportunity for individuals seeking flexible employment in sterile processing departments. The hourly range for this role varies significantly from $16.25 for entry-level positions to approximately $26.95 for experienced technicians, highlighting the pay potential as one gains credentials such as CRCST or CIS. This range is crucial for understanding how compensation evolves in environments such as hospital SPD decontamination and assembly rooms or specialized endoscope reprocessing facilities.
About the Pinehurst 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) | $16.25 | $129.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.01 | $136.07 |
| Median (P50) | $19.56 | $156.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.37 | $186.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.95 | $215.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinehurst
Based on $19.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.56/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinehurst, NC can expect to earn approximately $40,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,475. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pinehurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinehurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $782.48 | $3,391 | $40,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $469.49 | $2,034 | $24,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.99 | $1,356 | $16,276 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Pinehurst) | $19.56 |
| 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 Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $40,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.72% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $43,902.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.56/hr = $24,413/year (purchasing power: $26,083).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,689/year (purchasing power: $43,471).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pinehurst grew 27.4% from $14.73/hr (2019) to $18.77/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.39/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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
Exploring the earnings landscape, part-time sterile processing technicians in Pinehurst can bring home approximately $18,960 annually versus a full-time equivalent, who would earn around $40,697. Per diem sterile processing technician pay in Pinehurst tends to be more lucrative, with many billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command rates as high as $28 to $40 per hour in agency placements. Moreover, post-2020 travel contracts have surfaced, offering between $1,000 and $1,500 weekly due to staffing shortages in some markets. Hourly pay can fluctuate based on the type of employer, with hospitals typically offering more stable but lower rates compared to specialty surgery centers or private dental practices, which may provide higher pay in exchange for fewer benefits. Technicians should evaluate their priorities regarding pay versus benefits when negotiating offers; those working at hospital SPDs may sacrifice higher hourly rates for comprehensive health packages, though this trade-off varies by facility in Pinehurst.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Pinehurst in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Pinehurst?
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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 Pinehurst. 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 Pinehurst 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