Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $20.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Westerly, RI runs $20.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Westerly, Rhode Island, the sterile processing technician hourly pay sits at a median rate of $20.68, which is below the national hourly median of $22.94. This pay scale reflects the varying responsibilities faced by technicians working in environments such as hospital sterile processing departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical practices. For part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, the reduced hours can translate to sufficient earnings, especially if supplemented with per-diem opportunities. The hourly compensation ranges from $17.50 for entry-level positions to approximately $28.70 for seasoned professionals, illustrating a significant spread based on experience and the complexity of the tasks performed.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.50 | $139.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.17 | $145.32 |
| Median (P50) | $20.68 | $165.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.11 | $192.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.70 | $229.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $20.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.68/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $43,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,813. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $827.09 | $3,584 | $43,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $496.25 | $2,150 | $25,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.84 | $1,434 | $17,203 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Westerly) | $20.68 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $42,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $46,038.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.68/hr = $25,805/year (purchasing power: $25,677).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,009/year (purchasing power: $42,795).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Westerly grew 27.4% from $15.57/hr (2019) to $19.84/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.55/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 Westerly 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 Westerly
Earnings for a part-time sterile processing technician working 24 hours a week can amount to approximately $25,000 annually, markedly lower than a full-time counterpart. The per diem sterile processing technician pay in Westerly typically falls between $22 and $32 per hour, with specialized endoscope reprocessors earning up to $40 per hour in agency placements. Additionally, travel contracts that became more prevalent post-2020 offer lucrative weekly rates ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. In Westerly, pay rates often differ depending on the employer; hospital SPDs tend to offer lower rates compared to private practices or third-party service providers that may compensate higher but lack benefits. Technicians may have to weigh the trade-off between a lower hourly rate with health insurance and a higher rate without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, highlighting certifications like CRCST or CER can provide leverage, especially in a competitive market focused on credentialed professionals.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time sterile processing technicians make in Westerly?
Are sterile processing technicians in Westerly paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time sterile processing technician make per year in Westerly?
Do sterile processing technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westerly?
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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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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