Bridgewater vs Trenton: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bridgewater, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgewater, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,976▲ | $46,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.99▲ | $22.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,040▲ | $36,819 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,164▲ | $42,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,767▲ | $60,161 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,775 | $72,817▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Bridgewater and Trenton are closely matched on overall sterile processing technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bridgewater and Trenton is $5,783 (12.52%). Bridgewater's median is +8.91% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgewater spans $31,735,Trenton spans $35,998. Trenton 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, Bridgewater ($45,118 effective) pays 0.78% more than Trenton ($44,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgewater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,976/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,118)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,817)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bridgewater grew -12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Bridgewater, NJ
$56,723 (2024) → $49,871 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$44,760 (2019) → $44,323 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgewater, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bridgewater or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgewater and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Bridgewater to Trenton as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bridgewater vs Trenton?
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