Atlantic City vs Lakewood: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,886 | $52,366▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.46 | $25.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,521▲ | $39,981 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,664▲ | $43,474 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,001 | $66,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,486 | $79,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Lakewood is $1,480 (2.91%). Lakewood's median is +9.73% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $28,965,Lakewood spans $39,839. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($51,474 effective) pays 13.24% more than Lakewood ($45,457 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,474)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,366/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,820)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Atlantic City grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.1% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$42,330 (2019) → $48,826 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$57,150 (2024) → $50,246 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Atlantic City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Lakewood as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Atlantic City vs Lakewood?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov