North Providence vs Pawtucket: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between North Providence, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Providence, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,176 | $45,994▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.24 | $22.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,955▲ | $34,099 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,969▲ | $37,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,742 | $56,160▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,048 | $69,505▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Providence.
The salary gap between North Providence and Pawtucket is $1,818 (4.12%). Pawtucket's median is -3.63% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Providence spans $27,093,Pawtucket spans $35,406. Pawtucket 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, Pawtucket ($45,765 effective) pays 4.12% more than North Providence ($43,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Providence if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,505)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,765)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in North Providence grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.4% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
North Providence, RI
$44,353 (2024) → $42,387 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$46,180 (2024) → $44,132 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Providence, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: North Providence or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between North Providence and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from North Providence to Pawtucket as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in North Providence vs Pawtucket?
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