Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Burlington, NC: $43,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Burlington, NC earns a median $43,019/year (≈ $20.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $45,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the role of a sterile processing technician is accompanied by a median annual salary estimate of $43,019 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $47,724, reflecting a regional adjustment in compensation. Salaries for technicians in the area range from $33,826 at the 10th percentile to $64,912 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability in pay based on experience and additional certifications, such as endoscope reprocessing (CER). These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing a local market that presents unique challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,826 | $16.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,446 | $17.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,019 | $20.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,108 | $26.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,912 | $31.20 |
Median Salary Position
9.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, NC, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,086 (2026 est.). At $43,019, the local median is 9.86% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Burlington median: $43,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $43,897 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -9.86% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Burlington, NC earn a median of $43,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.86% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $43,897.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $43,019 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,960 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,399
2025 BLS Actual
$41,277
2026 Current Est.
$43,019
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,277 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,834 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $32,399 (2019) to $41,277 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,834 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,435 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $33,826 – $36,446 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,446 – $43,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,019 – $54,108 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,108 – $64,912 |
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 Burlington
The local job market for sterile processing technicians is relatively small yet stable, with 14 technicians currently employed in Burlington. The area's cost of living index, sitting at 93.6, suggests more favorable conditions for take-home pay compared to national averages. This economic aspect means that while the salaries may appear lower than the national median, the purchasing power might be relatively strong. Leading employers in Burlington include hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, which often provide the highest compensation. Factors influencing the significant salary range include shift differentials for evening or overnight hours, specialized credentials beyond the CRCST, and supervisory roles within hospital settings compared to ambulatory surgery centers. To maximize earning potential in Burlington, technicians should focus on obtaining multiple credentials (like CRCST, CIS, and CER) and seek positions that offer enhanced benefits, regular training, and leadership opportunities in the fast-evolving landscape of sterile processing.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Burlington?
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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 $41,277 for sterile processing techniciansin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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