Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Raleigh, NC: $46,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Raleigh, NC earns a median $46,654/year (≈ $22.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Raleigh's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.2), that paycheck buys what $47,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Raleigh, North Carolina are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,654. This figure is slightly below the national median of $47,724, reflecting Raleigh's competitive compensation landscape. Salaries range from $35,749 at the 10th percentile to $61,451 at the 90th percentile, indicative of varying position responsibilities and experiences within the field. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data suggests that evening and overnight shifts, which often include surgical tray turnover responsibilities, may offer higher pay opportunities. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, especially with stricter credentialing requirements since 2021, the job market for sterile processing technicians in Raleigh is expected to remain robust.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,749 | $17.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,820 | $19.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,654 | $22.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,158 | $26.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,451 | $29.55 |
Median Salary Position
2.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
In Raleigh, NC, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,702 (2026 est.). At $46,654, the local median is 2.24% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Raleigh: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Raleigh Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Raleigh median: $46,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Raleigh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $43,889 | +6.30% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -2.24% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Raleigh, NC earn a median of $46,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.24% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.30% above the North Carolina state average of $43,889.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Raleigh has a cost of living 1.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Raleigh, NC has a cost-of-living index of 98.157 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $46,654 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,530 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.88% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,160
2025 BLS Actual
$44,765
2026 Current Est.
$46,654
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,623 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Raleigh metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 43.7% from $31,160 (2019) to $44,765 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,623 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,463 (56.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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) | $35,749 – $39,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,820 – $46,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,654 – $55,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,158 – $61,451 |
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 Raleigh
With around 320 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the Raleigh area, the local job market is thriving, presenting ample opportunities for aspiring employees. The cost-of-living index in Raleigh stands at 98.157, providing an attractive backdrop for salaries and enabling a reasonable standard of living despite the region’s competitive market. Employers from hospital sterile processing departments (SPD) and specialty surgical centers typically offer the best pay within the sector. Factors influencing the salary range include shift differentials for evening and overnight work, as well as the addition of specialized credentials such as CRCST, CIS, and CER. For those looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Raleigh, pursuing advanced certifications and obtaining hospital experience can be pivotal for securing higher salaries and promotions.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
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 $44,765 for sterile processing techniciansin the Raleigh 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
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