Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $22.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Trenton, NJ runs $22.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,193 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,717 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, sterile processing technicians earn a median hourly pay of $22.21. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.94. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,060 monthly, making it a viable option for those seeking employment in hospital settings, ambulatory surgical centers, and sterile processing rooms. The hourly pay range for sterile processing technicians in Trenton varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $17.70 and experienced technicians earning upwards of $35.01 per hour. This data is derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a competitive pay scale particularly for those with certifications like CRCST or CER, which have become increasingly important in the field.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.70 | $141.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.30 | $162.42 |
| Median (P50) | $22.21 | $177.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.92 | $231.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.01 | $280.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $22.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.21/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $46,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,651. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.37 | $3,850 | $46,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $533.02 | $2,310 | $27,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.35 | $1,540 | $18,478 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Trenton) | $22.21 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $46,193 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 12.50% below the New Jersey state average of $52,792.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.21/hr = $27,717/year (purchasing power: $26,863).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,195/year (purchasing power: $44,772).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Trenton grew -1.0% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $21.31/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.15/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Transitioning from a standard hourly role to per-diem or contract positions can significantly affect income potential for sterile processing technicians in Trenton. Those working on a per-diem basis typically earn between $22 and $32 per hour, while CER-credentialed endoscope reprocessors can command rates of $28 to $40 in agency roles. The growing demand for sterile processing positions also led to travel contracts offering up to $1,500 weekly, especially in shortage markets following 2020. Hourly rates may vary based on the type of employer; technicians in large hospitals generally have different compensation packages than those working for smaller dental practices or third-party services. Many technicians face a decision between accepting lower hourly wages for the benefits offered by hospital employment versus higher pay with agency placements that don’t include health insurance. For viable negotiations, workers should emphasize their certifications and training, especially in an evolving market where formal qualifications have become critical.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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