Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Roanoke, VA: $46,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Roanoke, VA earns a median $46,877/year (≈ $22.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Roanoke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $45,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in Roanoke, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $46,877, slightly below the national median of $47,724. The salary range for this occupation in the area spans from approximately $35,689 at the 10th percentile up to $69,518 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and qualifications among professionals. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, highlight the potential for compensation growth driven by demand for evening and overnight shifts, especially as surgical tray turnover accelerates in response to increasing surgical procedures. With a workforce of just 16 sterile processing technicians currently employed in the region, opportunities appear promising for those entering or advancing in this essential field.
About the Roanoke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,689 | $17.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,877 | $18.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,877 | $22.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,093 | $27.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,518 | $33.42 |
Median Salary Position
1.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roanoke
In Roanoke, VA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,829 (2026 est.). At $46,877, the local median is 1.77% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Roanoke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Roanoke Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Roanoke median: $46,877/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Roanoke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,303 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -1.77% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Roanoke, VA earn a median of $46,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $47,303.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Roanoke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Roanoke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,877 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,423 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,304
2025 BLS Actual
$44,979
2026 Current Est.
$46,877
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,855 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Roanoke metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,304 (2019) to $44,979 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,551 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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) | $35,689 – $38,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,877 – $46,877 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,877 – $58,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,093 – $69,518 |
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 Roanoke
Analyzing the Roanoke job market reveals that the cost of living index sits at 103.2, which is slightly above the national average. This factor can impact the take-home purchasing power of sterile processing technicians, as salary adjustments may not fully offset increased living expenses. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the highest pay, while specialty practices and ambulatory surgery centers also provide competitive salaries. Variances in compensation can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials for evening and overnight shifts, the need for specialized credentials like CRCST, CIS, and CER, along with supervisory roles. To maximize earning potential, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in facilities that prioritize advanced reprocessing techniques and trauma care, aligning with the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Roanoke?
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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 $44,979 for sterile processing techniciansin the Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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