Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $28.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Newark, NJ runs $28.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,987 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, the hourly pay for sterile processing technicians is projected to reach a median of $28.36 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $22.94. This robust hourly wage translates to appealing opportunities for part-time workers, who may typically work three days a week, earning approximately $1,280 monthly for a 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem positions in hospital sterile processing departments (SPD) and ambulatory surgery centers allow for flexible work arrangements, where professionals can earn between $19.70 and $43.96 per hour, depending on experience and specific job responsibilities. Entry-level technicians can expect to start around the lower end of this scale, while top earners, particularly those with specialized credentials such as CRCST or CER, can command higher rates linked to increased demand within settings like endoscope reprocessing rooms and surgical centers.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.70 | $157.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.85 | $190.76 |
| Median (P50) | $28.36 | $226.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.30 | $290.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.96 | $351.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $28.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.36/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $58,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,030. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.33 | $4,915 | $58,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.60 | $2,949 | $35,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.73 | $1,966 | $23,594 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Newark) | $28.36 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $58,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.60% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 11.80% above the New Jersey state average of $52,762.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.36/hr = $35,391/year (purchasing power: $30,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,985/year (purchasing power: $51,202).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Newark grew 27.4% from $21.36/hr (2019) to $27.21/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.55/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 Newark 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 Newark
Considering the potential earnings of a part-time sterile processing technician in Newark, those working a 24-hour week would see a difference in annual take-home pay compared to full-timers. While full-time technicians earn about $58,987 a year, part-time workers could bring in approximately $15,360 if working consistently three days a week. The per diem landscape further enriches this profession, where agency placements can yield $22 to $32 per hour for standard positions, climbing to $28 to $40 for endoscope reprocessing roles. Various employer types in Newark, ranging from hospital SPDs to specialized dental practices, affect hourly rates with many SPD technicians weighing the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the higher hourly rates typically offered by per-diem or contracting roles without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, being aware of the prevailing rates for your role and credentials can empower technicians to secure the compensation they deserve in this competitive field.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Newark in 2026?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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