Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Rock Hill, SC: $44,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Rock Hill, SC earns a median $44,852/year (≈ $21.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Rock Hill's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $49,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Hill, South Carolina, the estimated median salary for a sterile processing technician is projected to be $44,852 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $47,724 for the same year. This role offers a salary range from $32,855 at the 10th percentile to $67,514 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization among technicians. With the growing demand for specialized skills in areas such as endoscope reprocessing, technicians who hold credentials like CRCST and CER are likely to command higher salaries. The local compensation figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for Rock Hill's regional cost of living, creating a unique salary picture that is informed by local healthcare needs.
About the Rock Hill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,855 | $15.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,852 | $21.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,315 | $27.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,514 | $32.45 |
Median Salary Position
6.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Hill
In Rock Hill, SC, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,659 (2026 est.). At $44,852, the local median is 6.02% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rock Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rock Hill Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Rock Hill median: $44,852/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $45,032 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -6.02% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Rock Hill, SC earn a median of $44,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $45,032.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Hill has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rock Hill, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,852 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,019 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,779
2025 BLS Actual
$43,036
2026 Current Est.
$44,852
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Rock Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,779 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,424 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Hill metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,779 (2019) to $43,036 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,966 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Hill 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,855 – $37,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,900 – $44,852 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,852 – $56,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,315 – $67,514 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Rock Hill
In the Rock Hill job market, there are currently 11 sterile processing technicians employed in the area, indicating a competitive but limited employment landscape. The cost of living index sits at 91.5, which is lower than the national average, suggesting that while salaries may seem modest, they can stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among the various employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive pay, especially for those working in trauma centers, while ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices may provide additional opportunities. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight hours, specialized credentialing, and whether the role is supervisory. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Rock Hill, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in hospitals rather than outpatient settings are strategic moves that could lead to higher pay.
More salary data for Rock Hill, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,036 for sterile processing techniciansin the Rock Hill metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rock Hill 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