Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Richmond, VA: $46,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Richmond, VA earns a median $46,663/year (≈ $22.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $47,684 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Richmond, Virginia, sterile processing technicians earn a median annual salary of $46,663 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $47,724. The salary for these professionals in the area spans from $34,838 at the lowest end to $58,210 for those at the top of the pay scale. This compensation landscape, derived from projections based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflects not only the value of general sterile processing skills but also emphasizes the increasing demand for specialization. Particularly, the niche of endoscope reprocessing (CER) is elevating pay trajectories, as hospitals and surgical centers seek highly skilled technicians who can effectively manage the complexities of infection control and equipment sterilization associated with endoscopy procedures. This trend augurs well for employment opportunities in Richmond's health sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,838 | $16.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,891 | $19.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,663 | $22.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,144 | $23.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,210 | $27.98 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, VA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,372 (2026 est.). At $46,663, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $47,724.
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How Richmond Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Richmond median: $46,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,278 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -2.22% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Richmond, VA earn a median of $46,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $47,278.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 2.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.858 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $46,663 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,684 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.19% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,070
2025 BLS Actual
$44,774
2026 Current Est.
$46,663
2019–2027 Growth
+18.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 9.0% from $41,070 (2019) to $44,774 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,563 (18.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $34,838 – $40,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,891 – $46,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,663 – $48,144 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,144 – $58,210 |
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 Richmond
In terms of job market dynamics, Richmond is home to approximately 300 sterile processing technicians, providing a robust local employment base. The cost of living index in the area is 97.858, indicating a slightly lower-than-average cost, which enhances the purchasing power for those in the field. Hospitals typically offer higher wages compared to ambulatory centers and specialty practices, making them prime employers for aspiring sterile processing professionals. Factors influencing the variance in pay include specialty credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, as well as the impact of shift differentials. Night and weekend shifts, often required for high-demand surgical tray turnovers, can lead to increased hourly rates. To maximize earning potential in Richmond, developing a diverse skill set through certification and gaining experience in high-stakes environments, such as trauma centers, can significantly improve salary prospects.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $44,774 for sterile processing techniciansin the Richmond 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