Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Bloomfield vs Trenton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bloomfield, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bloomfield, NJ
$51,531
$24.77/hr
Trenton, NJ
$46,193
$22.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBloomfield, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$51,531$46,193
Hourly Rate$24.77$22.21
Entry Level (P10)$40,446$36,819
25th Percentile$43,444$42,232
75th Percentile$63,473$60,161
Top Earner (P90)$75,522$72,817
Total Employed11100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bloomfield ($51,531) and Trenton ($46,193) sterile processing technician salaries.BloomfieldTrentonMedian Salary$51,531$46,193Entry Level (P10)$40,446$36,819Top Earner (P90)$75,522$72,817US Median $47,724

Verdict

Bloomfield, NJ offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Bloomfield and Trenton is $5,338 (11.56%). Bloomfield's median is +7.98% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomfield spans $35,076,Trenton spans $35,998. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.

Bloomfield
P10 (Entry)$40,446
P25$43,444
Median$51,531
P75$63,473
P90 (Top)$75,522
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$36,819
P25$42,232
Median$46,193
P75$60,161
P90 (Top)$72,817

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($44,769 effective) pays 0.08% more than Bloomfield ($44,732 effective).

Bloomfield
Nominal: $51,531
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $44,732
Trenton
Nominal: $46,193
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $44,769

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bloomfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,531/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($75,522)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,769)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bloomfield grew -12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Bloomfield, NJ

+-12.1%

$56,237 (2024) → $49,444 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+-1.0%

$44,760 (2019) → $44,323 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bloomfield or Trenton?

Bloomfield has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $51,531/year, compared to Trenton at $46,193/year — a difference of $5,338 (11.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomfield and Trenton?

Bloomfield sterile processing technicians earn $24.77/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $22.21/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bloomfield to Trenton as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bloomfield and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bloomfield = $44,732, Trenton = $44,769), job availability (11 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bloomfield vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $40,446 in Bloomfield and $36,819 in Trenton. The Bloomfield area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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