Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $22.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Raleigh, NC runs $22.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,654 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,990 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the sterile processing technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $22.43, which is slightly below the national median of $22.94. For those working part-time, such a rate means that if they maintain a schedule of three days a week, they can expect to earn around $1,070 monthly, translated into an annual equivalent of about $12,840. This is particularly relevant in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and endoscope reprocessing rooms where these technicians handle critical tasks. The hourly wage range varies significantly from $17.19 for entry-level positions to $29.55 for experienced top earners, thus illustrating the potential for career advancement and skills development within the field, especially for those pursuing additional certifications like CRCST or CER.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.19 | $137.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.13 | $153.08 |
| Median (P50) | $22.43 | $179.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.52 | $212.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.55 | $236.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $22.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.43/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $46,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,914. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $897.13 | $3,888 | $46,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $538.28 | $2,333 | $27,990 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.85 | $1,555 | $18,660 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Raleigh) | $22.43 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $46,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.24% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.30% above the North Carolina state average of $43,889.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.43/hr = $27,990/year (purchasing power: $28,516).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,651/year (purchasing power: $47,526).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Raleigh grew 43.7% from $14.98/hr (2019) to $21.52/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.37/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
When examining the annual earnings for a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay showcases a stark contrast to full-time employees. Per-diem or agency workers often report billing rates between $22 and $32, but those with specialized certifications, such as CER, can see their rates soar to $40 per hour in certain contracts. In Raleigh, different employer types can affect hourly pay substantially; hospital sterile processing departments may offer varied rates compared to specialty surgical centers or dental practices. Additionally, many technicians may opt for positions with lower hourly wages if they include health benefits, balancing immediate pay against long-term advantages. For those engaged in negotiation for hourly pay, emphasizing certifications or understanding the demand in certain specialties can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers in the area.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Raleigh in 2026?
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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 Raleigh. 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