Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $53,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $53,262/year (≈ $25.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $46,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those working as sterile processing technicians in Elizabeth, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $53,262, which is significantly higher than the national median of $47,724. The salary range for this role varies considerably, from $41,854 at the lower decile to $81,028 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse needs of healthcare facilities in the region. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account adjustments for regional costs. Factors such as evening and overnight shifts that facilitate surgical tray turnover contribute to these earnings, as hospitals aim to attract skilled technicians for high-demand times.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,854 | $20.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,282 | $21.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,262 | $25.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,095 | $32.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,028 | $38.96 |
Median Salary Position
11.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,174 (2026 est.). At $53,262, the local median is 11.6% above the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $53,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $52,787 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | +11.60% more |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $53,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.60% higher than the national median of $47,724 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $52,787.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,234 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,113
2025 BLS Actual
$51,105
2026 Current Est.
$53,262
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,127 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $40,113 (2019) to $51,105 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,396 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $41,854 – $45,282 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,282 – $53,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,262 – $67,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,095 – $81,028 |
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 Elizabeth
The job market for sterile processing technicians in Elizabeth remains stable, with around 25 individuals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be affected by overhead costs. Hospitals typically offer the highest pay, especially for those holding certifications such as CRCST and additional credentials in sterile processing. The variation in salaries can be largely attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialty skills like endoscope reprocessing, and roles in trauma center settings. For those looking to maximize their sterile processing technician pay in Elizabeth, focusing on credential stacking and seeking positions in high-acuity facilities or leading roles can substantially enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sterile processing technicians make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
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Can sterile processing technicians make $100K in Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted sterile processing technician salary in Elizabeth?
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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 $51,105 for sterile processing techniciansin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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