Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Norfolk, VA: $39,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Norfolk, VA earns a median $39,490/year (≈ $18.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $38,266 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for sterilized processing technicians in Norfolk, Virginia, reaches $39,490, a figure that reflects the local market's particular demand and salary structures. This salary falls within a range of $28,085 at the 10th percentile to $60,517 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variance in pay that can be influenced by specialization, such as endoscope reprocessing (CER). Ultimately, these figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional cost adjustments in Norfolk, where the sterile processing industry is strong and evolving, especially with the increased focus on infection control and the need for certified professionals in the field.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,085 | $13.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,507 | $15.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,696 | $23.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,517 | $29.10 |
Median Salary Position
17.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,432 (2026 est.). At $39,490, the local median is 17.25% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $39,490/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,293 | -16.50% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -17.25% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $39,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.25% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 16.50% below the Virginia state average of $47,293.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,490 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $38,266 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,741
2025 BLS Actual
$37,891
2026 Current Est.
$39,490
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,891 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,156 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $29,741 (2019) to $37,891 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,156 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,415 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $28,085 – $31,507 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,507 – $39,490 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,490 – $49,696 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,696 – $60,517 |
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 Norfolk
The job market in Norfolk for sterile processing technicians is comprised of approximately 54 individuals employed in this capacity, revealing a steady demand for skilled practitioners. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the purchasing power can be affected by local living costs, making it essential for technicians to consider how these factors influence their take-home income. Major employers, including hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, tend to offer the most competitive pay. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening or overnight work, specialized credential stacking involving CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications, as well as the distinctions between hospital settings and urgent care facilities. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Norfolk, pursuing advanced credentials and considering positions in higher-paying facilities can yield greater benefits in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Norfolk?
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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 $37,891 for sterile processing techniciansin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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