Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Newport News, VA: $47,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Newport News, VA earns a median $47,649/year (≈ $22.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Newport News's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $46,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport News, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for a sterile processing technician in 2026 is $47,649, which is slightly below the national median of $47,724. The salary range in this market is noteworthy, spanning from $37,342 at the 10th percentile to $72,358 at the 90th percentile. This local data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price variations, reflects the evolving landscape of sterile processing, particularly in the specialized area of endoscope reprocessing (CER). This subspecialty not only highlights the demand for qualified professionals but also significantly affects compensation packages in Newport News' healthcare facilities, where there's a clear focus on adhering to heightened standards following recent regulatory changes.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,342 | $17.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,433 | $19.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,649 | $22.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,946 | $28.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,358 | $34.79 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News
In Newport News, VA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,016 (2026 est.). At $47,649, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport News: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport News Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Newport News median: $47,649/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport News Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,271 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.16% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Newport News, VA earn a median of $47,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $47,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport News has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport News, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,649 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,172 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,886
2025 BLS Actual
$45,720
2026 Current Est.
$47,649
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,634 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,758 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,761 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,660 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport News metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,886 (2019) to $45,720 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,660 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,774 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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) | $37,342 – $40,433 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,433 – $47,649 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,649 – $59,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,946 – $72,358 |
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 Newport News
With 39 sterile processing technicians employed in the area, Newport News presents a competitive job market characterized by a cost-of-living index of 103.2. This index indicates that, while living expenses are somewhat higher than the national average, these costs are manageable within the projected salaries. Major employers include hospital sterile processing departments and specialized surgical centers, which typically offer the most competitive wages. The variance in salaries often reflects factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts and the necessity for advanced credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER. Engaging in continuous education and skill enhancement can effectively position candidates to capture higher pay rates. Maximizing earning potential may involve seeking roles in trauma centers, which often command a premium due to the complexity and urgency of their procedures, thereby enhancing the value of experienced technicians within Newport News' healthcare scenario.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
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 $45,720 for sterile processing techniciansin the Newport News 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 Newport News 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