Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $19.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Wilmington, NC runs $19.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,601 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,361 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the projected hourly rate for sterile processing technicians stands at $19.52, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This discrepancy may influence decisions for part-time and per-diem workers who typically seek flexible schedules within various healthcare settings. Operating primarily in hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and other related facilities, technicians might find their earnings ranging from $18.02 for entry-level positions up to $26.89 for top earners. These figures reflect data collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and underscore the potential for further career advancement in this growing field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.02 | $144.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.02 | $144.16 |
| Median (P50) | $19.52 | $156.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.64 | $189.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.89 | $215.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $19.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.52/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $40,602 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,424. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $780.82 | $3,384 | $40,602 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.49 | $2,030 | $24,361 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.33 | $1,353 | $16,241 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Wilmington) | $19.52 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $40,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.93% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 7.50% below the North Carolina state average of $43,893.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.52/hr = $24,361/year (purchasing power: $25,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,602/year (purchasing power: $42,109).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wilmington grew 23.8% from $15.13/hr (2019) to $18.73/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.34/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Part-time technicians working three days a week, totalling 24 hours, would take home roughly $24,358 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time salary. The per diem trend has gained traction in recent years, with many sterile processing specialists seeking flexibility and higher pay; per diem sterile processing technician pay in Wilmington typically falls between $22 and $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors often command rates of $28 to $40 in agency roles. Differences in hourly compensation can also arise based on workplace type; hospitals may offer lower rates compared to private practices or third-party providers that might not offer benefits. Ultimately, technicians often face choices regarding benefits versus hourly pay rates, and understanding the local job market and negotiating salaries can significantly impact their overall financial wellness in Wilmington.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Wilmington?
Are sterile processing technicians in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Wilmington?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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