Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Salem, VA: $45,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Salem, VA earns a median $45,843/year (≈ $22.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $44,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the projected median salary for a sterile processing technician in 2026 is estimated at $45,843, which is slightly below the national average of $47,724 for the same year. With a salary range spanning from $34,276 at the 10th percentile to $63,421 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect localized adjustments based on economic factors specific to the region. The increase in salary expectations correlates with the growing demand for specialized roles, including endoscope reprocessing (CER), making it a lucrative niche within the sterile processing field. As hospitals and surgical centers in Salem continue to expand their services, the demand for certified technicians is expected to rise, indicating promising opportunities for job seekers in 2026.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,276 | $16.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,998 | $19.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,843 | $22.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,653 | $26.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,421 | $30.49 |
Median Salary Position
3.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,145 (2026 est.). At $45,843, the local median is 3.94% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $45,843/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $47,261 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -3.94% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Salem, VA earn a median of $45,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.94% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $47,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,843 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,422 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,526
2025 BLS Actual
$43,987
2026 Current Est.
$45,843
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,245 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,778 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $34,526 (2019) to $43,987 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,778 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,252 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $34,276 – $39,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,998 – $45,843 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,843 – $54,653 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,653 – $63,421 |
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 Salem
The local job market for sterile processing technicians in Salem shows a modest employment level, with currently only 6 technicians working in the area. Despite this, the cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting take-home pay for those in the field. Employers such as hospital sterile processing departments and ambulatory surgery centers typically offer competitive wages, particularly for those with a stack of credentials, including CRCST, CIS, and CER certifications. Variations in pay can often be attributed to factors like shift differentials, particularly for evening and overnight shifts, as well as the designation of a facility as a trauma center. To maximize earning potential in Salem, technicians should consider acquiring multiple certifications and aim for roles in higher-paying specialty facilities, positioning themselves favorably in a growing job market.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $43,987 for sterile processing techniciansin the Salem 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 Salem 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