Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $22.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Bristol, CT runs $22.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,661 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,602 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bristol, Connecticut, the sterile processing technician hourly pay averages $22.92, closely aligning with the national hourly median of $22.94. This hourly rate provides a tangible income for technicians who work in various settings like hospital SPD decontamination rooms and ambulatory surgical centers. For part-time workers on a three-day workweek, this translates to a solid weekly income that can be pivotal in balancing work with personal commitments. The hourly range for professionals in this field varies, with entry-level technicians earning about $16.73 per hour and top earners reaching up to $34.25 per hour. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, showcase the potential financial trajectory for those entering or advancing in the sterile processing field in CT.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.73 | $133.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.75 | $158.00 |
| Median (P50) | $22.92 | $183.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.69 | $229.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.25 | $273.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $22.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.92/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $47,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,502. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $916.72 | $3,972 | $47,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.03 | $2,383 | $28,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.69 | $1,589 | $19,068 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Bristol) | $22.92 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Bristol, CT earn a median of $47,661 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $48,045.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.92/hr = $28,602/year (purchasing power: $26,508).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,669/year (purchasing power: $44,179).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bristol grew 27.4% from $17.26/hr (2019) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Bristol
Part-time sterile processing technicians working 24 hours per week can expect to earn approximately $29,157 a year, a fraction of what full-time colleagues would take home. For those opting for per-diem shifts, the pay can vary, with common billing rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour; however, certified endoscope reprocessors may command even higher rates between $28 and $40 in certain agency placements. Particularly since the surge in demand post-2020, travel contracts have also emerged, offering $1,000 to $1,500 weekly in shortage markets. In Bristol, hourly rates differ by employer type—hospital SPDs, specialty surgery centers, or large dental practices. Benefits may tempt some technicians to accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates that do not come with benefits. For those seeking hourly positions, negotiating not only the pay but also the value of associated benefits can make a significant difference in long-term job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Bristol?
Are sterile processing technicians in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Bristol?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov