Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $23.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in North Charleston, SC runs $23.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,745 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, South Carolina, the projected sterile processing technician hourly rate for 2026 is $23.03, which is slightly above the national median of $22.94. This wage indicates a robust earning potential, particularly for part-time workers who might operate on a three-day workweek, totaling around 24 hours. Per-diem technicians in the field can find employment in various settings, including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and central instrument delivery routes. For those starting in the profession, hourly wages begin at around $16.44, which can escalate to $33.74 for top earners as they gain experience and possibly additional certifications, forming a distinct income trajectory within the sterile processing landscape of North Charleston.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South 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) | $16.44 | $131.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.69 | $157.50 |
| Median (P50) | $23.03 | $184.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.24 | $225.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.74 | $269.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $23.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.03/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $47,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,639. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $921.30 | $3,992 | $47,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.78 | $2,395 | $28,745 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.52 | $1,597 | $19,163 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (North Charleston) | $23.03 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $47,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 6.40% above the South Carolina state average of $45,032.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.03/hr = $28,745/year (purchasing power: $31,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,908/year (purchasing power: $52,358).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in North Charleston grew 27.4% from $17.35/hr (2019) to $22.10/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.00/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
When considering part-time earnings, a sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $29,286 annually, a substantial but reduced figure compared to full-time salaries. Per diem opportunities present their unique realities; these technicians typically bill between $22 and $32 per hour, while those with CER credentials can command $28 to $40 per hour in agency positions. Furthermore, travel contracts have emerged post-2020, offering remuneration of $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in shortage areas. Hourly pay rates can vary significantly based on the employer type within North Charleston, with some health systems providing added benefits in exchange for lower pay, which may be appealing to those in need of health insurance. Negotiation is key for hourly workers, as emphasizing certifications from HSPA and specialized training can lead to better compensation in a market that is increasingly competitive.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in North Charleston?
Are sterile processing technicians in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in North Charleston?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South 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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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