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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sterile Processing Assistant in North Carolina is $37,223 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Sterile Processing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Sterile Processing Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $39,946 | $3,329 | $768 | $19 |
| Average | $37,223 | $3,102 | $716 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,310 | $2,859 | $660 | $16 |
North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC
Novant Health - Wilmington, NC
Advocate Health - Winston Salem, NC
Steris - Durham, NC
A Sterile Processing Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Sterile Processing Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Sterile Processing Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Sterile Processing Assistant positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sterile Processing Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $55,834 | $27.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $44,668 | $21.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Sterile Processing Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $39,946 | $3,329 | $768 | $19 |
| Average | $37,223 | $3,102 | $716 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,310 | $2,859 | $660 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sterile Processing Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Novant Health
Kernersville, NC
Novant Health | Kernersville, NC
Certified Sterile Processing Technician. The Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization ... more
1 Day Ago
Steris
Durham, NC
Steris | Durham, NC
Sterile Processing Technician Lead. As a Sterile Processing Technician Lead for STERIS, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of surgi... more
2 Days Ago
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Raleigh, NC
WakeMed Health & Hospitals | Raleigh, NC
Overview:The Sterile Processing Tech I is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of instruments, equipment... more
3 Days Ago
Steris
Durham, NC
Steris | Durham, NC
Supervisor Sterile Processing. As a Supervisor, Sterile Processing, you'll be the driving force behind a high-performing team, ensuring top-tier instrument... more
3 Days Ago
Steris
Concord, NC
Steris | Concord, NC
Supervisor, Sterile Processing. As a Supervisor, Sterile Processing, you'll be the driving force behind a high-performing team, ensuring top-tier instrumen... more
3 Days Ago
Aya Healthcare
Winston Salem, NC
Aya Healthcare | Winston Salem, NC
Sterile Processing Supervisor. Responsible for overseeing the training of new employees, continuous assessment, and continuing education of staff skills in... more
4 Days Ago
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