Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Bristol, CT: $47,661 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Bristol, CT earns a median $47,661/year (≈ $22.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $44,171 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, sterile processing technicians can expect a median annual salary of $47,661 as projected for 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of the healthcare market in the area. This figure is slightly below the national median of $47,724, illustrating the local economy's unique dynamics. The salary range for technicians in this city spans from $34,803 at the 10th percentile to $71,239 at the 90th percentile, providing insight into the varying levels of expertise and responsibility in the role. The medical field's rising emphasis on specialized skills, such as endoscope reprocessing, contributes substantially to salary variations in Bristol. This focus on credentialing and specialization offers a promising landscape for those pursuing a career in sterile processing, as facilities look for certified technicians to maintain high standards of care.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,803 | $16.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,088 | $19.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,661 | $22.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,686 | $28.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,239 | $34.25 |
Median Salary Position
0.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,436 (2026 est.). At $47,661, the local median is 0.13% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $47,661/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $48,045 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -0.13% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,661 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,171 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,895
2025 BLS Actual
$45,731
2026 Current Est.
$47,661
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,198 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,661 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $35,895 (2019) to $45,731 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,777 (38.38%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,803 – $41,088 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,088 – $47,661 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,661 – $59,686 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,686 – $71,239 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in Bristol
In Bristol, only 13 sterile processing technicians are currently employed, which hints at a niche but essential job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.9, the financial implications for take-home pay are significant, as salaries need to align with local living expenses. Employers in the area that tend to pay higher wages typically include hospital sterile processing departments and specialty surgical centers, particularly those that necessitate advanced credentials like CRCST and CIS. Factors driving the wage disparity include shift differentials for evening and overnight trays, the complexity of procedures requiring advanced cleaning and handling expertise, and varying pay scales between hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. For those seeking to maximize earnings in the Bristol area, strategic investments in additional certifications, such as the CER credential, and exploring opportunities in high-demand specialties can yield beneficial returns in salary potential.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,731 for sterile processing techniciansin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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